Behold, The Bridegroom Cometh

For Christmas

Words and Music: George F. Root

Source: Ira D. Sankey and P.P. Bliss, eds., Gospel Hymns No. 2 (Cincinnati: John Church, 1876), #36, p. 38.

"At midnight there was a cry made, behold the Bridegroom cometh." - Matt. 25 6.

1. Our lamps are trimmed and burning,
Our robes are white and clean,
We've tarried for the Bridegroom,
Oh, may we enter in?
We know we've nothing worthy
That we can call our own:
The light, the oil, the robes we wear,
All come from Him alone.

Refrain:
Behold the Bridegroom cometh!
And all may enter in.
Whose lamps are trimmed and burning.
Whose robes are white and clean.

2. Go forth, go forth to meet Him!
The way is open now,
All lighted with the glory
That's streaming from His brow:
Accept the invitation,
Beyond deserving kind;
Make no delay, but take your lamps,
And joy eternal find. Refrain.

3. We see the marriage splendour
Within the open door;
We know that those who enter
Are blest for evermore.
We see He is more lovely
Than all the sons of men;
But still we know the door once shut
Will open ne'er again. Refrain.

Sheet Music from Ira D. Sankey and P. P. Bliss, eds., Gospel Hymns No. 2 (Toronto: Coop, Clark & Co., 1877), #38, p. 36. It had been printed the year before by the John Church Co., Cincinnati, and The Bigelo & Main Co., Chicago.

 

Sheet Music from Ira D. Sankey, et all., Gospel Hymns, Nos. 1 to 6 Complete. Excelsior Edition. Cincinnati: The John Church Co., 1896), #81, p. 54.

Editor's Note:

This is one of many hymns inspired by the parable of the Ten Virgins, Matthew 25:1-13. Some of these hymns date back many centuries. Two ancient manuscripts are represented among this group:

• Behold, The Bridegroom Cometh - George F. Root [this carol]

• An 8^th Century Greek Hymn (Ἰδοὺ ὁ Νυμφιὸς ἔρχεται ἐν τῷ μέσῳ τῆς νυκτός) from the Ferial Midnight Office of the Greek Church, with these translations:

  • Behold the Bridegroom Cometh - Brownlie

  • Behold the Bridegroom Cometh - Moultrie, with notes and music

  • Behold the Bridegroom Draweth Nigh - Moorsom

• St. Methodius, The Banquet of the Ten Virgins (8th Century), with these translations:

  • Behold the Bridegroom! Hark The Cry, a cento by Rev. John Brownlie, with notes

  • The Virgins' Song ["The Bridegroom Cometh"], translation by AW Chadfield.

  • The Banquet of the Ten Virgins translation by Rev. William Clark.

See: Christmas-tide Hymns from the Eastern Churches.

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