Lift Up Your Eyes

Imperatives carry this Christmas song, and the first image is of light: "Light of lights eternal hope has come." Danny Gokey sets the scene at the manger, where "the King of Kings has laid his head" on "a manger for a bed," and invites the listener to "come behold." The line about hope coming "to lead us back to love" gives the carol a homeward direction.

The refrain is a short, repeated command, "lift up your eyes," attached to the angels' announcement. "Hear the angel's song break the silent night," it says, and "see the saving one born that none may die." The response is praise: "Glory to God, let the praises rise," and "let the Earth reply." The second verse adds a call to "lay your offering at his feet, where the sons of Earth and Heavens meet," with joy awakening "in every heart."

Near the close, a litany of titles from Isaiah takes over: "He shall be called wonderful, Counselor, Almighty God," then "Prince of Peace," "the Lord of Hosts," and "the Hope for us." Isaiah 9:6 gives those names, Luke 2:14 the angels' "Glory to God," and Luke 2:11 the announcement of a Savior born in David's city.