Weekday Boost December 8

New Testament:  Revelations 4-5 Encouraging Story: Bishop Raises Funds to Free ISIS hostagesHymn for the Day: Arise, the kingdom is at hand 
Author: Johann von Rist (1651); Translator: Catherine Winkworth (1863) 
1 Arise, the kingdom is at hand, The King is drawing nigh; Arise with joy, thou faithful band, To meet the Lord most high! Look up, ye souls weighed down with care, The Sovereign is not far; Look up, faint hearts, from your despair, Behold the Morning Star! 
2 Look up, ye drooping hearts, today, The King is very near; O cast your griefs and fears away, For lo, your help is here! Hope on, ye broken hearts, at last The King comes in His might; He loved us in the ages past, When we lay wrapped in night. 
3 O rich the gifts Thou bringest us, Thyself made poor and weak; O love beyond compare that thus Can foes and sinners seek! For this we raise a gladsome voice On high to Thee alone, And evermore with thanks rejoice Before Thy glorious throne. 
Amen.