An Open Door

The Bridegroom soon will call us,
"Come to the wedding feast."
May slumber not befall us
Nor watchfulness decrease.
May all our lamps be burning
With oil enough and more
That we, with Him returning,
May find an open door.

There shall we see in glory
Our dear Redeemer's face,
The long-awaited story
Of heavenly joy takes place;
The patriarchs shall meet us,
The prophets' holy band;
Apostles, martyrs greet us
In that celestial land.

There God shall from all evil
Forever make us free,
From sin and from the devil,
From all adversity,
From sickness, pain, and sadness,
From troubles, cares, and fears,
And grant us heavenly gladness
And wipe away our tears.

In that fair home shall never
Be silent music's voice;
With hearts and lips forever
We shall in God rejoice,
While angel hosts are raising
With saint from great to least
A mighty hymn for praising
The Giver of the feast!

--Johann Walter, The Bridegroom Soon Will Call Us (LSB 514)