Words: , in Drey schöne Newe Geistliche Gesenge, 1592 (Wir Christenleut’ hab’n jetzund Freud); translated from German to English by , The Chorale Book for England (London: 1863), number 34. Music: O Jesus Christ, Dein Kripplein, , 1653. |
We Christians may rejoice today
When Christ was born to comfort and to save us.
Who thus believes no longer grieves,
For none are lost who grasp the hope He gave us.
Oh, wondrous joy that God most high
Should take our flesh and thus our race should honor!
A virgin mild hath borne this Child;
Such grace and glory God hath put upon her.
Sin brought us grief, but Christ relief,
When down to earth He came for our salvation.
Since God with us is dwelling thus,
Who dares to speak the Christian’s condemnation?
The hither throng with happy song
To Him Whose birth and death are our assurance;
Through Whom are we at last set free
From sins and burdens that surpassed endurance.
Yea, let us praise our God and raise
Loud hallelujahs to the skies above us.
The bliss bestowed today by God
To ceaseless thankfulness and joy should move us.