11
O Lord, How Shall I Meet You?
1. O Lord, how shall I meet You,
How welcome You aright?
Your people long to greet You,
My hope, my heart's delight!
O kindle, Lord most holy,
A lamp within my breast,
To do in spirit lowly
All that may please You best.
2. Love caused Your incarnation,
Love brought You down to me;
Your thirst for my salvation
Procured my liberty.
O love beyond all telling,
That led You to embrace
In love all loves excelling
Our lost and fallen race.
3. A glorious crown You give me,
A treasure safe on high,
That will not fail nor leave me
As earthly riches fly.
My heart shall bloom forever
For You with praises new,
And from Your name shall never
Withhold the honor due.
WORDS: Paul Gerhardt, 1653
MUSIC: Trans. Catherine Winkworth and others, 1863; alt.Melchior Teschner, 1614 Harm. William Henry Monk, 1861
Theme: Advent