May God be gracious to us and bless us, and make His face to shine upon us, that Your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.
Psalm 67:1–2
Words: Ambrose of Milan, circa 397 (Veni Redemptor gentium). Translated from Latin to German by Martin Luther, 1524 (Nun Komm der Heiden Heiland). Translated from German to English by William M. Reynolds, 1851.
Music: Nun komm, Enchiridion oder Handbüchlein, Johann Walther (Wittenberg, Germany: 1524). Harmony by Johann S. Bach (🔊 pdf nwc).
Savior of the nations, come;
Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home!
Marvel now, O Heaven and earth,
That the Lord chose such a birth.
Not by human flesh and blood;
By the Spirit of our God
Was the Word of God made flesh,
Woman’s offspring, pure and fresh.
Wondrous birth! O wondrous Child
Of the virgin undefiled!
Though by all the world disowned,
Still to be in Heaven enthroned.
From the Father forth He came
And returneth to the same,
Captive leading death and hell
High the song of triumph swell!
Thou, the Father’s only Son,
Hast over sin the victory won.
Boundless shall Thy kingdom be;
When shall we its glories see?
Brightly doth Thy manger shine,
Glorious is its light divine.
Let not sin o’ercloud this light;
Ever be our faith thus bright.
Praise to God the Father sing,
Praise to God the Son, our king,
Praise to God the Spirit be
Ever and eternally.