Cântăre Behold the bridegroom

1. We’re nearing the closing of time’s mortal year,

God’s kingdom doth now as ten virgins appear,

With lamps trimmed and burning, a light to their feet,

They’re all going forward the Bridegroom to meet.

* Refrain:

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh;

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh,

Go ye out to meet Him.

2. With oil in their vessels the wise forward go,

Their lamps shining bright and their hearts white as snow,

They’re ready each moment to welcome the Lord,

Who shortly will take them to gain their reward.

3. The foolish go forward without any oil,

They’re just as contented as those who have oil;

They trust in the future the oil to supply,

They’ll wake soon to find that their lamps are all dry.

4. Lo, now, just at midnight, the watchman they hear;

"Awake from your slumber, the Bridegroom is near";

Their lamps to prepare now the foolish arise,

"Our lamps are gone out!" they all cry in surprise.

5. The foolish to wise say, "Give us of your oil";

"Not so, lest there be not enough for us all;

Go, buy for yourselves from the merchants who sell";

They start, but, "Too late!" in their anguish they tell.

6. Lo, now comes the Bridegroom with angelic host,

All those who are ready go into the feast;

The door being closed come the foolish to knock,

"Depart," saith the Lord, "I indeed know you not."