Open Stood The Gates of Heaven

For Christmas

Words: Sarah Geraldine Stock (1838-1898)

Music: “Westoe,” Mary Palmer
Meter: 87 87 87 87

Source: Mary Palmer and John Farmer, eds., Church Sunday School Hymn-Book (London: Church of England Sunday-School Institute, 1892), p. 38, #41.

1. Open stood the gates of heaven,
And a shining angel band
Swift on joyful wing descended,
Hovering over Judah's land:
Then they told the wondrous story
Of the Saviour's lowly birth,
Sang, "To God on high be glory,
And to men be peace on earth."

2. Open stand the gates of Heaven,
Jesus is gone upon high;
Jesus, Who in David's city
Once was born to bleed and die.
There for us He lives in glory,
Waits to welcome us above;
Sing we loud the wondrous story
Of our great Redeemer's love.

3. Open stand the gates of heaven,
Thither let our hearts ascend,
And our voice of adoration
With the notes of angels blend.
Now our hearts to Jesus giving,
May we serve Him day by day;
Be our lives our glad thanksgiving
For the joy of Christmas day.

Sheet Music "Westoe" by Mary Palmer from Mary Palmer and John Farmer, eds., Church Sunday School Hymn-Book (London: Church of England Sunday-School Institute, 1892), p. 38, #41.

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