Zion, At thy Shining Gates

Scott (Concordia-SESAC)

The final verses of Psalm 24, "Lift up your heads, 0 ye gates," are the inspiration for this 19th century text. A more comforting Advent setting, it reveals another aspect of Christ’s first appearing.

 

Zion, at thy shining gates

Give us grace thy yoke to wear,

Lo, the King of Glory waits;

 Give us strength thy cross to bear,

Haste thy monarch now to greet,

 Make us thine in deed and word,

Strew thy palms before his feet.

Thine in heart and life, 0 Lord.

 

                                                          Christ, for thee their triple light,
So when thou shalt come again,
                                                          Faith and hope and love unite;
Judge of angels and of men,
                                                          This the beacon we display
We with all thy saints shall sing
                                                          To proclaim thine advent day.
Alleluias to our King.
                                                          Come and give us peace within,
                                                          Loose us from the bands of sin,
                                                         Take away the galling weight
                                                         Laid on us by greed and hate.
                    Text: Benjamin H. Kennedy, 1804-89, alt.