A Joyous Christmas Carol
All my heart this night rejoices,
As I hear,
Far and near,
Sweetest angel voices:
“Christ is born,” their choirs are singing,
Till the air
Everywhere
Now with joy is ringing.
Come and banish all your sadness,
One and all,
Great and small,
Come with songs of gladness;
Love Him who with love is yearning;
Hail the star
That from far
Bright with hope is burning.
Hither come, ye heavy-hearted,
Who for sin,
Deep within,
Long and sore have smarted;
For the poisoned wounds you’re feeling
Help is near,
One is here
Mighty for their healing.
Faithfully Thee, Lord, I’ll cherish,
Live to Thee,
And with Thee
Dying, shall not perish,
But shall dwell with Thee forever,
Far on high,
In the joy
That can alter never.
Paul Gerhardt, 1656.