The true light now shineth.
1 John 2:8
Words: Anders A. Achrenius (1745–1810). Translated to English by Hermann H. M. Brueckner in the American Lutheran Hymnal, edited by Emmanuel Poppen (Columbus, Ohio: Lutheran Book Concern,1930), number 309.
Music: Trebel Gottfried H. Trebel (1835–1924) (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good picture of Achrenius, Brueckner or Trebel (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
Arise, my soul, new light receiving,
The dismal haunts of sorrow flee;
All earthly care and worry leaving,
Come forth the sun of joy to see.
The Lamb of God for thee hath treasured
Celestial joys as yet unmeasured;
A wondrous feast He doth provide.
Then wilt thou shine in heav’nly splendor
And unto God thy praises render
’Mid joys that ever shall abide.
Arise, my soul, to joy awaken,
The shining robes of gladness wear;
God’s covenant remains unshaken,
He will with thee His Heaven share.
Thine eyes, such undimmed bliss beholding,
Shall see new glories still unfolding,
Thy brow a jeweled crown shall wear.
In garments of pure white appearing,
Nor sin nor Satan ever fearing,
Thou shalt be safe in God’s own care.
Arise, my soul, no more repining,
A heritage is kept for thee.
Thou like the angels fair and shining
Shalt God’s uncovered glory see.
The veil shall fall, no longer hiding
The things in Heav’n for thee abiding
And all whom God hath called His own.
Such promised glory contemplating,
Rejoice, my soul, though still awaiting,
Till thou shalt stand before God’s throne.
Arise, my soul, to hear the sounding
Of harp and psaltery above;
Come, join the choir God’s throne surrounding
And sing of God’s unbounded love.
No tongue can tell what strains of gladness
Shall there replace the cries of sadness
That here from burdened hearts arise.
Then sing, my soul, of God’s salvation,
And laud the Lord of all creation,
Who welcomes thee to paradise.