Scripture Verse

Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11

Introduction

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Martin Luther (1483–1546)

Words: Mar­tin Lu­ther, in Geist­liche Lied­er (Wit­ten­berg, Ger­ma­ny: 1535) (Vom Him­mel hoch da komm ich her). Trans­lat­ed from Ger­man to Eng­lish in the Mo­ra­vi­an Hymn Book, 1754 & 1789.

Music: Vom Him­mel hoch, in Geist­liche Lied­er, by Val­en­tin Schu­mann (Leip­zig, Ger­ma­ny: 1539). Har­mo­ny by Jo­hann S. Bach (🔊 pdf nwc).

Alternate Tune:

  • Erfurt Geist­liche Lied­er, 1539 (🔊 pdf nwc)
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Johann S. Bach (1685–1750)

Lyrics

Today we ce­le­brate the birth
Of Je­sus Christ, who came on earth
Man as His pro­per­ty to claim,
And from per­di­tion to re­deem.

Awake, my heart! my soul, re­joice!
Look, who in yon­der man­ger lies!
Who is that Child, so poor and mean?
‘Tis He who all things doth sus­tain.

Welcome, O wel­come, no­ble Guest,
Who sin­ners not des­pis­èd hast,
But came in­to our mi­se­ry.
How shall we pay due thanks to Thee?

Immanuel, in­car­nate God,
Prepare my heart for Thy abode;
O may I, through Thy aid­ing grace,
In all I do, show forth Thy praise.