Behold the Bridegroom

Verse 1

We’re nearing the closing of time’s mortal year, God’s kingdom doth now as ten virgins appear, Who are going forward, the Bridegroom to meet, With lamps trimmed and burning to direct their feet.

Chorus

Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, Behold, the Bridegroom cometh, Go ye out to meet Him.

Verse 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 is coming to take them to God.

Verse 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 burned dry.

Verse 4

Lo now, just at midnight, the watchman they hear, "Awake from your slumbers, the Bridegroom is near; The foolish to trim their lamps, quickly arise," "Our lamps are gone out," they all cry in surprise.

Verse 5

The foolish to wise say "Give us of your oil"; Not so, lest there not be enough for us all; Go ye to the merchants and buy for yourselves. Alas, ’tis too late, they have just ceased to sell.

Verse 6

Lo, now comes the Bridegroom, with angelic host, All those who are ready, go into the feast; The door being closed, comes the foolish to knock, "Depart," saith the Lord, "I indeed know you not."