The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light.
Isaiah 9:2
Words: Verse 1, Johannes D. Falk, Auserlesene Werke (Leipzig, Germany: 1816). Verses 2–3, anonymous (O du fröhliche, o du selige, gnadenbringende Weihnachtszeit). Translated from German to English by Henry Katterjohn, 1919.
Music: Sicilian Mariners, from The European Magazine and London Review, November 1792 (🔊 pdf nwc).
If you know where to get a good photo of Katterjohn (head & shoulders, at least 200×300 pixels),
O thou joyful, O thou wonderful
Grace revealing Christmastide!
Jesus came to win us
From all sin within us;
Glorify, glorify the Holy Child!
O thou joyful, O thou wonderful
Love revealing Christmastide!
Loud hosannas singing,
And all praises bringing,
May Thy love, may Thy love with us abide.
O thou joyful, O thou wonderful
Peace revealing Christmastide!
Darkness disappeareth,
God’s own light now neareth,
Peace and joy, peace and joy to all betide.