20 December 2008

O Rejoice!

O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly,
For our joy hath now begun:
Wondrous things our God hath done.
Tell abroad His goodness proudly,
Who our race to honor thus,
That He deigns to dwell with us.

Refrain:
Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness,
Christ has done away with sadness!
Hence, all sorrow and repining,
For the Sun of Grace is shining!

See, my soul, thy Savior chooses,
Weakness here and poverty,
In such love He comes to thee.
Neither crib nor cross refuses;
All He suffers for thy good,
To redeem thee by His blood. Refrain.

Lord, how shall I thank Thee rightly?
I acknowledge that by Thee
I am saved eternally.
Let me not forget it lightly,
But to Thee at all times cleave
And my heart true peace receive. Refrain.

Jesus, guard and guide Thy members,
Fill them with Thy boundless grace,
Hear our prayers in ev'ry place.
Fan to flame faith's glowing embers;
Grant all Christians far and near
Holy peace, a glad new year. Refrain.
LSB 897

1 comment:

WM Cwirla said...

Just can't beat the 17th century for hymnody!

Hammerschmidt rocks.