4. Through His low birth and holy blood We all are saved by Christ, true God; The angels’ glory we shall share And in His kingdom live fore’er. C. Freund, † 1591; A. Crull, tr. 152 8, 7, 7, 8, 7, 7, 8, 8, 8, 8 O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly, For our joy has now begun; Wondrous things our God hath done; Tell abroad His goodness proudly, Who our race hath honored thus That He deigns to dwell with us. Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness! Christ hath done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow and repining, For the Sun of Grace is shining! 2. See, my soul, thy Savior chooses Weakness here and poverty, In such love He comes to thee, Nor the hardest couch refuses; All He suffers for thy good, To redeem thee by His blood. Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness! Christ hath done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow and repining, For the Sun of Grace is shining! 3. Lord, how shall I thank Thee rightly? I acknowledge that by Thee I am saved eternally; Let me not forget it lightly, But to Thee through all things cleave, And my heart true peace receive. Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness! Christ hath done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow and repining, For the Sun of Grace is shining! 4. Jesus, guard and guide Thy members, Fill Thy brethren with Thy grace, Hear their prayers in every place, Quicken now life’s faintest embers; Grant all Christians, far and near, Holy peace, a glad New Year! Joy, O joy, beyond all gladness! Christ hath done away with sadness! Hence, all sorrow and repining, For the Sun of Grace is shining! C. Keymann, † 1662; C. Winkworth, tr., a. 153 7, 6, 7, 6 Let us all with gladsome voice Praise the God of heaven, Who, to bid our hearts rejoice, His own Son hath given. 2. To this vale of tears He comes, Here to serve in sadness, That with Him in heaven’s fair homes We may reign in gladness. 3. We are rich, for He was poor; Is not this a wonder? Therefore praise God evermore Here on earth and yonder! 4. O Lord Christ, our Savior dear, Be Thou ever near us. Grant us now a glad New Year; Amen, Jesus, hear us! U. Langhanns, c. 1560; C. Winkworth, tr. 154 7s 8 l