Catholic Activity: Advent Hymn: O Saviour, Heaven's Portal Rend

Text and melody, 17th century German. This forceful melody in the first (Dorian) mode should be sung in unison.

DIRECTIONS

1. O Saviour, heaven's portals rend,
Come down, from heav'n, to earth descend!
Open celestial gate and door;
Never to lock nor fasten more.

2. O brilliant Sun, O lovely Star,
We dare behold Thee from afar.
O Sun arise, without Thy light
We languish all in darkest night.

3. Drop dew, ye heavens from above,
Come in the dew, O God of love!
Ye clouds now break, rain down the King,
His peace to Jacob's house to bring.

Activity Source: Around the Year with the Trapp Family by Maria Augusta Trapp, Pantheon Books Inc., New York, New York, 1955