From heaven above to earth I come,
To bear good news to every one;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing:

To you this night is born a child
Of Mary, chosen mother mild;
This new-born babe of lowly birth
Shall be the joy of all the earth.

This is the Christ who far on high
Has heard your sad and bitter cry;
Himself will your salvation be;
Himself from sin will make you free.

Welcome to earth, thou noble guest,
Through whom this sinful world is blest!
Thou com'st to share our misery;
What can we render, Lord, to thee?

Were earth a thousand times as fair,
Beset with gold and jewels rare,
She yet were far to poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for thee.

Ah, dearest Jesus, holy child,
Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for thee.

My heart for very joy doth leap;
My lips no more can silence keep;
I too must sing with joyful tongue
That sweetest ancient cradle song:

'Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man his Son has given!'
While angels sing with pious mirth
A glad new year to all on earth.


Martin Luther (1483-1546)
tr. Catherine Winkworth (1827-78) alt.