Lift Up Your Heads You Mighty Gates
Lift up your heads, you mighty gates
The hymn expresses classical Lutheran Christology, declaring Christ's universal sovereignty and his claim upon creation itself. It combines eschatological hope with Christocentric theology, fundamental to Lutheran understanding of Christ as Lord of all things.
History & Background
Originally published in German as 'Macht hoch die Tür' in Weissel's 1642 collection. Catherine Winkworth's English translation from 1863 became the standard version in English-speaking Lutheran hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 129
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 258
- Glory to God — 93
- The Hymnal 1982 — 436
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 32
- Lutheran Service Book — 340-341
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 73
- Lutheran Worship — 24
- New Century Hymnal — 117
- Trinity Hymnal — 204
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 73
- United Methodist Hymnal — 213
- Voices Together — 175
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Georg Weissel in 1642, this German Advent hymn declares Christ's universal sovereignty. Its cosmic imagery reflects classical Lutheran theology: creation itself acknowledges its Savior King.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the Lutheran conviction that Christ rules not only hearts but the cosmos itself, transforming the Law's demand for submission into Gospel joy at the King's arrival.
Themes
Christ's majesty and kingship Advent expectation Cosmic lordship of Christ Triumph and victory Gates of heaven opening