Arise, O Christian People

Arise, O Christian people!
Prepare yourselves today;
prepare to greet the Savior,
who takes your sins away.
To us by grace alone
the truth and light were given;
the promised Lord from heaven
to all the world is shown.

Prepare the way before him;
prepare for him the best;
cast out what would offend him,
this great, this heav'nly guest.
Make straight, make plain the way:
the lowly valleys raising,
the heights of pride abasing,
his path all even lay.

The humble heart and lowly
God raises up on high;
beneath his feet in terror
the haughty soul shall lie.
The heart sincere and right,
that heeds God's invitation
and makes true preparation —
it is the Lord's delight.

Prepare my heart, Lord Jesus;
turn not from me aside,
and help me to receive you
this blessed Advent-tide.
From stall and manger low
come now to dwell within me;
I'll sing your praises gladly
And forth your glory show.