Scripture Verse

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. 1 Timothy 1:15

Introduction

Words: Un­known au­thor (Chris­te Re­demp­tor om­ni­um Ex Pa­tre Patris un­i­ce). Trans­lat­ed from La­tin to Eng­lish by Hen­ry W. Bak­er in Hymns An­cient and Mo­dern, 1859.

Music: Er­furt Geist­liche Lied­er (Leip­zig, Ger­ma­ny: 1539) (🔊 pdf nwc).

portrait
Henry W. Baker (1821–1877)

Lyrics

O Christ, redeemer of our race,
Thou brightness of the Fa­ther’s face,
Of Him, and with Him ever one,
Ere times and seasons had begun.

Thou art that very light of light,
Unfailing hope in sin’s dark night,
Hear Thou the prayers Thy people pray,
The wide world o’er, this blessèd day.

Remember, Lord of life and grace,
How once, to save a ruined race,
Thou didst our very flesh assume
In Mary’s undefilèd womb.

Today, as year by year its light
Sheds o’er the world a radiance bright,
One precious truth is echoed on,
’Tis Thou hast saved us, Thou alone.

Thou from the Fa­ther’s throne didst come
To call His banished children home;
And Heav’n, and earth, and sea and shore
His love who sent Thee here adore.

And gladsome too are we today,
Whose guilt Thy blood has washed away;
Redeemed the new made song we sing;
It is the birthday of our king.

O Lord, the virgin born, to Thee
Eternal praise and glo­ry be,
Whom with the Fa­ther we adore
And Holy Ghost for­ev­er­more.