C.D. Warner, et al., comp. The Library of the World’s Best Literature.
An Anthology in Thirty Volumes. 1917.
A Hymn for Children at Christmas
By Martin Luther (1483–1546)
F
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing:—
Of Mary, chosen mother mild;
This little child, of lowly birth,
Shall be the joy of all your earth.
Hath heard your sad and bitter cry;
Himself will your salvation be,
Himself from sin will make you free.
Prepared by God for all below;
Henceforth his kingdom open stands
To you, as to the angel bands.
The swaddling-clothes and manger dark;
There shall ye find the young child laid,
By whom the heavens and earth were made.
Follow the shepherds, and draw near
To see this wondrous gift of God,
Who hath his only Son bestowed.
Who is it in yon manger lies?
Who is this child, so young and fair?
The blessed Christ-child lieth there.
Through whom e’en wicked men are blest!
Thou com’st to share our misery:
What can we render, Lord, to thee?
How hast thou made thee weak and small,
That thou must choose thy infant bed
Where ass and ox but lately fed!
Beset with gold and jewels rare,
She yet were far too poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for thee.
Thou hast but hay and straw so rough,
Whereon thou, King, so rich and great,
As ’twere thy heaven, art throned in state.
The truth to us poor fools and vain,
That this world’s honor, wealth, and might
Are naught and worthless in thy sight.
Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for thee.
My lips no more can silence keep;
I too must raise with joyful tongue
That sweetest ancient cradle song.
Who unto man his Son hath given!
While angels sing with pious mirth
A glad New Year to all the earth.