2. 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 the earth. 3. This is the Christ, our God and Lord, Who in all need shall aid afford; He will Himself your Savior be, From all your sins to 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 Go with the shepherds and draw near To see the wondrous gift of God, Who hath His own dear Son bestowed. 7. Give heed, my heart, lift up thine eyes! What is it in yon manger lies? Who is this child, so young and fair? Dear little Jesus lieth there. 8. Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest, Through whom the sinful world is blest! Thou com’st to share my misery, What thanks shall I return to Thee? 9. Ah! Lord, who hast created all, How hast Thou made Thee weak and small That Thou must choose Thy infant bed Where humble cattle lately fed. 10. And were the world ten times as wide, With gold and jewels beautified, It would be far too small to be A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee. 11. For velvets soft and silken stuff Thou hast but hay and straw so rough, Whereon Thou, King, so rich and great, As ’twere Thy heaven, art throned in state. 12. And thus, dear Lord, it pleasèd Thee To make this truth quite plain to me, That this world’s honor, wealth, and might Are naught and worthless in Thy sight. 13. Ah! dearest Jesus, holy Child, Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled, Within my heart, that it may be A chamber consecrate to Thee. 14. 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: 15. Glory to God in highest heav’n, Who unto man His Son hath giv’n! While angels sing with pious mirth A glad New Year to all the earth. Martin Luther, 1535. 151 L. M. Rejoice, ye sons of men alway! God comes to you from heaven to-day; The Lord is born a little child Of Mary, chosen virgin mild. 2. He is the Branch of Jesse’s tree, The Lion out of Judah He, The Gentiles’ Light, the promised Seed Who was to bruise the Serpent’s head. 3. He brings us peace and happiness And heals all sorrow and distress Which on account of Adam’s fall Forever weighed upon us all.