Scripture Verse

Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Introduction

Words: Tho­mas Holme, Hymns and Sac­red Po­et­ry (Chris­tian Book So­ci­e­ty, 1861), pag­es 11–12, alt.

Music: Was frag’ ich nach der Welt, me­lo­dy from Him­mels-Lust by Aha­sue­rus Fritsch, 1679. Har­mo­ny by Jo­hann S. Bach, cir­ca 1740 (🔊 pdf nwc).

If you know where to get a good pic­ture of Holme (head-and-shoul­ders, at least 200×300 pix­els), would you ?

portrait
Johann S. Bach
1685–1750

Lyrics

Joy to the world! sound forth
From land to land the story;
Th’incarnate God is come!
The Babe enshrined in glory.

Refrain

To us a child is born,
To us a son is giv’n,
’Tis Jesus, Prince of Peace!
A pledge of love from Heav’n.

All wrapped in swaddling clothes
The tender Infant sleeping,
His cradle angels guard,
Their holy vigils keeping.

Refrain

The heavn’ly host proclaim,
In joyful chorus singing,
God’s covenant of peace,
To man salvation bringing.

Refrain

Glory to God on high,
His Son belovèd sending,
The world to reconcile,
Justice and mercy blending.

Refrain

Praise Him, ye nations all,
The word of life believing,
With reverential love,
The priceless boon receiving.

Refrain