Who are these like stars appearing?

Who are these like stars appearing, these, before God's throne who stand?
Each a golden crown is wearing: who are all this glorious band?
Alleluia! hark, they sing, praising loud their heavenly King.

Who are these of dazzling brightness, these in God's own truth arrayed,
clad in robes of purest whiteness, robes whose luster ne'er shall fade,
ne'er be touched by time's rude hand? Whence comes all this glorious band?

These are they who have contended for their Savior's honor long,
wrestling on till life was ended, following not the sinful throng;
these, who well the fight sustained, triumph by the Lamb have gained.

These are they whose hearts were riven, sore with woe and anguish tried,
who in prayer full oft have striven with the God they glorified;
now, their painful conflict o'er, God has bid them weep no more.

These, like priests, have watched and waited, offering up to Christ their will,
soul and body consecrated, day and night they serve him still.
Now in God's most holy place, blest they stand before his face.

Words: Theobald Heinrich Schenck (1656-1727), trans. Frances Elizabeth Cox (1812-1897)
Music: Zeuch mich, zeuch mich

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Soon, soon, there will be another star in heaven. Esther is not dead yet but her time is coming soon. I said goodbye to her tonight. Next time I see her will be when I am dead and gone.

May God receive her even as they work out the timing of her crossing over. Soon, soon, she will be one of those stars in the Milky Way, a bright light in death and resurrection as much as in life.

Go with God, dear Esther, be at peace.