L. M. (with Hall.) Again is come the new church-year; Rejoice, all Christians, far and near! Thy King, O Zion, comes to Thee, Therefore rejoice eternally! Hallelujah! 2. Amongst us now anew are heard The lessons of God’s gracious Word, Which shows the way to life in heaven. For this all praise to God be given! Hallelujah! 3. May what is taught in Thy true Word Increase our faith in Thee, O Lord, And so abide in us that we May render endless praise to Thee! Hallelujah! J. Olearius, 1671. 141 7s Savior of the heathen, come, Virgin’s Son, here make Thy home! Wonder at it, heaven and earth, That the Lord chose such a birth. 2. Not by human flesh and blood, By the Spirit of our God Was the Word of God made flesh— Woman’s blossom, sweet and fresh. 3. Though the virgin was with child, Chastity proved undefiled; Many a virtue rare forth shone, God was there upon His throne. 4. From the Father forth He came And returned unto the same; Down to hell He went alone And again to God’s high throne. 5. Thou, the Father’s equal, win Victory in the flesh o’er sin, By Thy strength divine, O Lord, Help to our frail flesh afford. 6. Lord, Thy manger is so bright, Night sends forth a novel light; Darkness must not enter there, Faith abides in light fore’er. 7. Praise to God the Father sing, Praise to God the Son, our King, Praise to God the Spirit be Ever and eternally. From the Latin of Ambrose; Martin Luther, 1524, abr. 142 7, 6, 7, 6, 6, 7, 7, 6 Arise, sons of the kingdom! The King is drawing nigh; Arise and hail with gladness The Ruler from on high. Ye Christians, hasten forth! Your praise and homage bring Him And glad hosannas sing Him; Naught else your love is worth. 2. Arise, ye drooping mourners! The King is very near; Away with grief and sorrow! For, lo! your Help is here. Behold, in many a place— O blessed consolation!— We find Him, our Salvation, In His pure means of grace. 3. Now hear, ye bold transgressors, The King full well gives heed To all that ye are doing, And to the life ye lead, Enthralled by sin and hell; There’s naught in all creation Escapes His observation, He marketh all things well. 4. Be righteous, ye His subjects, The King is just and true; Prepare for Him a highway, Make all things straight and new. He means all for our good; Then let us bear the crosses Which He Himself imposes In an undaunted mood.