Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11
Words: Paul Gerhardt, Praxis Pietatis Melica, 1656 (Fröhlich soll mein Herze springen). Translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth, Lyra Germanica (London & New York: George Newnes & Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1855), pages 209–11.
Music: Ebeling Johann G. Ebeling, Geistliche Andachten 1666 (🔊 pdf nwc).
Alternate Tunes:
All my heart this night rejoices,
As I hear, far and near,
Sweetest angel voices;
Christ is born,
their choirs are singing,
Till the air, everywhere,
Now their joy is ringing.
For it dawns—the promised morrow
Of His birth, who the earth
Rescues from her sorrow.
God to wear our form descendeth;
Of His grace to our race
Here His Son He sendeth.
Yea, so truly for us careth,
That His Son, all we’ve done,
As our offering beareth;
As our Lamb who, dying for us,
Bears our load, and to God,
Doeth in peace restore us.
Hark! a voice from yonder manger,
Soft and sweet, doth entreat,
Flee from woe and danger;
Brethren, come; from all that grieves you
You are freed; all you need
I will surely give you.
Come, then, let us hasten yonder;
Here let all, great and small,
Kneel in awe and wonder,
Love Him who with love is yearning;
Hail the star that from far
Bright with hope is burning.
Ye who pine in weary sadness,
Weep no more, for the door
Now is found of gladness.
Cling to Him, for He will guide you
Where no cross, pain or loss
Can again betide you.
Hither come, ye heavy hearted;
Who for sin, deep within,
Long and sore have smarted;
For the poisoned wounds you’re feeling
Help is near, One is here,
Mighty for their healing!
Hither come, ye poor and wretched:
Know His will is to fill
Every hand outstretchèd;
Here are riches without measure,
Here forget all regret,
Fill your hearts with treasure.
Blessèd Savior, let me find Thee!
Keep Thou me close to Thee,
Cast me not behind Thee!
Life of life, my heart Thou stillest,
Calm I rest on Thy breast,
All this void Thou fillest.
Heedfully my Lord I’ll cherish,
Live to Thee, and with Thee
Dying, shall not perish;
But shall dwell with Thee for ever,
Far on high, in the joy
That can alter never.