4. Nun hilf uns, Herr, den Dienern dein,
Die mit dei'm theu'rn Blut erloeset sein:
Lass uns im Himmel haben Theil
Mit den Heiligen in ewigem Heil.
Hilf deinem Volk, Herr Jesu Christ,
Und segne das dein Erbtheil ist;
Wart' und pfleg' ihr'r zu aller Zeit
Und heb' sie hoch in Ewigkeit.
Taeglich, Herr Gott, wir loben dich,
Und ehr'n dein Namen stetiglich.
Behuet' uns heut', o treuer Gott,
Fuer aller Suend' und Missethat.
Sei uns gnaedig, o Herre Gott,
Sei uns gnaedig in aller Noth:
Zeig' uns deine Barmherzigkeit,
Wie unsre Hoffnung zu dir steht.
Auf dich hoffen wir, lieber Herr;
In Schanden lass uns nimmermehr!
Amen.
XXIX. Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her.
From Heaven above to Earth I come.
A Christmas Song. LUKE, ii.
Melody, 1543.
1. From heaven above to earth I come,
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing.
2. To you, this night, is born a child
Of Mary, chosen Mother mild;
This tender child of lowly birth,
Shall be the joy of all your earth.
3. 'Tis Christ our God, who far on high
Had heard your sad and bitter cry;
Himself will your salvation be,
Himself from sin will make you free.
4. He brings those blessings long ago Prepared by God for all below; That in his heavenly kingdom blest You may with us forever rest.
5. These are the tokens ye shall mark,
The swaddling-clothes and manger dark;
There shall ye find the young child laid,
By whom the heavens and earth were made.
6. Now let us all, with gladsome cheer,
Follow the shepherds, and draw near
To see this wondrous gift of God,
Who hath his own dear Son bestowed.