CHORALE

I have returned to the choir and last Sunday we sung this lovely hymn.

The first verse was simply uplifting

Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness,
Leave the gloomy haunts of sadness;
Come into the daylight's splendor,
There with joy thy praises render
Unto Christ Whose grace unbounded
Hath this wondrous banquet founded.
Higher o'er all the heav'ns He reigneth,
Yet to dwell with thee He deigneth.

Text: Johann Franck, 1649; trans. by Catherine Winkworth, 1863
Music: Johann Cruger, 1598-1662
Tune: SCHMUCKE DICH