It is estimated that twelve million people died across Central Europe during the Thirty Years War from 1618-1648. Historians suggest that twenty percent of the people of Germany died during the conflict that ripped their land and people apart.
Despite the darkness from tremendous loss of life – or perhaps to shine light in the darkness – Georg Weissel wrote the beloved Advent hymn, “Lift Up Your Heads, You Mighty Gates.” It is a hymn of joy shining in the dark days of the seemingly never-ending war.
“Lift Up Your Heads You Mighty Gates” is based on Psalm 24 where the author of the psalm, King David, is calling for the people to celebrate the King of Glory entering the city gates of Jerusalem. Some biblical scholars believe this was a call to the people of Jerusalem to welcome the return of the Ark of the Covenant. Both the psalm and the hymn are calling for all God’s people to prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ, the King of Glory.
King David writes in Psalm 24:7-10: “Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift yourselves up, you ancient doors, and the King of Glory will come in. Who is this King of Glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, you gates. Lift up, you ancient doors, and the King of Glory will come in. Who is he, this King of Glory? The Lord of Armies―he is the King of Glory.”
Georg Weissel writes in verse one: Lift up your heads, you mighty gates! Behold, the King of glory waits. The King of kings is drawing near; the Savior of the world is here. Life and salvation he will bring; therefore rejoice and gladly sing. To God the Father raise your joyful songs of praise.
Advent is a season of waiting and watching. Jesus is the King of glory. He is the Savior of the world. He is coming with life and salvation, so rejoice and sing joyful songs of praise to God the Father for the gift of his Son.
Verse two: The King is born in poverty, his chariot is humility, his kingly crown is holiness, his scepter, pity in distress. The end of all our woe he brings; therefore the earth is glad and sings. To Christ the Savior raise your grateful hymns of praise.
Weissel portrays the paradox of Jesus Christ as the King of glory. He is the King, yet he is born in the poverty of a Jewish couple who have no place to stay for the Child’s birth. The King rides into our world upon the chariot of humility. His only crown is his great humility. The scepter he holds is made from strands of hay and straw. Yet he comes to end all earthly woe. So raise glad songs of praise to Christ the Savior for being the gift of the Father’s Son.
Verse three: How blest the land, the city blest, where Christ the ruler is confessed! O peaceful hearts and happy homes to whom this King in triumph comes! The cloudless sun of joy is he
who comes to set his people free. To God the Spirit raise your happy shouts of praise.
As we examine our world, it seems to have no interest in Jesus Christ as King and Savior. Yet, the land and city is blest that confesses Jesus Christ as its ruler. The hearts are at peace and the homes are happy where Jesus Christ rules above all else. He sets his people free from their sins and brightly shines the rays of joy into the darkness of their often self-imposed depression. So happily shout praise to God the Holy Spirit for the gift of faith he brings in the gift of Jesus Christ.
Verse four: Fling wide the gates; prepare your heart to be a temple set apart from earthly use for heav’n’s employ, adorned with prayer and love and joy. So shall your Sov’reign enter in and new and nobler life begin. To God alone be praise for word and deed and grace!
During the Advent season, the days are short and the nights are long. Our culture has no need for Jesus Christ. Our culture’s disdain for Christ is evident and obvious. Yet King David and Georg Weissel both invite you to separate yourself from the crowds of culture to personally prepare your heart to welcome Jesus Christ to enter in.
Verse five: Redeemer, come! I open wide my heart to you; here, Lord, abide! O enter with your saving grace; show me your kind and friendly face. Your Holy Spirit guide us on until our glorious goal is won. Eternal praise and fame we offer to your name.
The fifth verse is the most personal of all. It is a call for the singer to open wide your heart so the Lord may abide. Welcome your King with joy when he comes. The King of glory entered our world the first time in humility and quiet in the manger. The King of glory now enters through the humble and quiet means of the gospel in Word and Sacraments in our churches, homes, and schools. The King of glory will return on the Last Day with the trumpet call of God and the voice of the archangel announcing his arrival. Jesus’ full glory will be on display when he comes to judge the world.
When Jesus returns, the angels will gather all believers so that all of us can welcome him. When Jesus returns in glory, he will receive from his people a royal welcome that will last forever. He will open wide the gates of New Jerusalem to welcome home those who opened wide their gates of their hearts to welcome him into their homes.