‘TO you this night is born a Child, Of Mary, chosen virgin mild; This little Child, of lowly birth, Shall be the joy of all your earth.
‘These are the tokens you shall mark: The swaddling clothes and manger dark; There you shall find the infant laid By Whom the heavens and earth were made.
‘Tis Christ our God, Who far on high Has heard your sad and bitter cry; He will your sure salvation be; He from your sin will make you free.’
Welcome to earth, Thou noble guest, Through Whom the sinful world is blest! Here come to share my misery! What thanks shall I return to Thee?
This happy heart for joy shall leap, My lips no more will silence keep: I too must raise with joyful tongue That sweetest, ancient cradle song—
‘Glory to God in highest Heaven, Who unto man His Son has given!’ With all my heart I’ll join the throng Of those who understand this song.
Martin Luther, 1483-1546, tr Catherine Winkworth, 1827-78