From Heaven Above To Earth I Come

For Christmas Eve

Words: Vom Himmel hoch da komm ich her, by Martin Luther
From Joseph Klug's Gesangsbuch, 1535
Notes and Translations: Notes for Vom Himmel Hoch Da Komm Ich Her

Text based on Luke 2: 1-18

Translator: Winfred Douglas, 1939, alt.

Music: "From Heaven High," adapted by Winfred Douglas
from Von Himmel Hoch (Geystliche Lieder, Leipzig, 1539)
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / XML
Meter: 8 8 8 8 (LM)

Part 1: The Angel's Message

1. "From Heaven high I come to you,
To bring you tidings good and new [or true].
Good tidings of great joy I bring,
Thereof will I both say and sing: [or Yet He brings joy and peace to all.]

2. "For you a little child is born
Of God's own chosen maid, this morn:
A fair and tender baby bright,
To be your joy and your delight.

3. "Lo, he is Christ, the Lord indeed,
Our God, to guide you in your need:
And he will be your Saviour, strong
To cleanse you from all sin and wrong."

Part 2: Our Response

4. Now let us all right merry be,
And, with the shepherds, go to see
God's own dear Son, within the stall;
His gift, bestowed upon us all.

5. Mark well, my heart; look well, mine eyes
Who is it in the manger lies:
What child is this, so young and fair?
It is my Jesus lieth there.

6. Ah, dearest Jesus, be my guest:
Soft be the bed where thou wilt rest,
A little shrine within my heart,
That thou and I may never part.

This verse may be sung after Part 1 or Part 2

7. Praise God above on his high throne,
Who giveth us his only Son.
The angel hosts rejoice in bliss
To chant a glad New Year like this.

Alternate Second and Third Verses from another source:

2. This King is but a little child,
His mother blessed Mary mild.
His cradle is but now a stall,
Yet He brings joy and peace to all.

3. Now let us all with songs of cheer,
Follow the shepherds and draw near,
To find this wondrous gift of Heav'n,
The blessed Christ whom God hath giv'n.

If you would like to help support Hymns and Carols of Christmas, please click on the button below and make a donation.

Related Hymns and Carols