Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

“Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” opens with a triumphant call drawn directly from Psalm 24, summoning the gates to rise in welcome for the King of glory. Originally written in German by Georg Weissel in the seventeenth century and later translated into English by Catherine Winkworth, the hymn serves as a poetic meditation on the Advent theme: the coming of Christ as King and Redeemer. Winkworth’s translation preserved the majesty and reverence of the original text, making it accessible to English-speaking congregations while retaining its biblical power and liturgical richness.

The hymn unfolds with imagery that describes Christ not only as the King of glory but also as the bringer of light, salvation, and peace. By urging the heart to prepare a dwelling place for Him, it moves beyond the literal gates of Jerusalem to the spiritual gates of every believer’s soul. Each stanza deepens the message of readiness and devotion, guiding worshippers to open their lives fully to the presence of Christ. In this way, it functions both as a hymn of corporate worship and as a personal prayer of dedication.

Over time, “Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates” has become a beloved Advent hymn, often sung during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Its rich biblical grounding and vivid imagery connect the worshipper to the ancient expectation of Christ’s first coming while also pointing forward to His promised return. With its blend of scriptural authority and lyrical beauty, the hymn continues to inspire reverence and joyful anticipation of the King who comes to reign in glory.