She brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7
Words: Juraj Tranovský, 1637 (Čas radosti, veselosti). Composite translation.
Music: Gladness, 12th Century Bohemian melody (🔊 pdf nwc).
Come rejoicing, praises voicing,
Christmas Day is breaking;
Now th’Eternal, Lord supernal,
Human form is taking.
On the hay—lo, behold
Virgin’s Son, as foretold,
Lies the precious Infant in the wintry cold,
Lies the precious Infant in the wintry cold.
Unabated for Him waited
Many generations;
Him now proudly angels loudly
Praise the Hope of nations.
Let us, then, gladly sing,
Let our songs gaily ring,
As we to this holy Child our praises bring,
As we to this holy Child our praises bring.
Tender Flower, Mighty Tower,
Jesus Christ, our Savior;
Heav’nly Treasure, without measure,
Thee we love forever.
Lord and King without end,
Our poor hearts now befriend,
All Thy gifts of grace and goodness to us send,
All Thy gifts of grace and goodness to us send.