The Angels Came Down In Their Cohorts So Bright

For Christmas

Words: Martin Luther, Vom Himmel Kam Der Engel Schar, 1543
See: Notes on Vom Himmel kam der Engel Schaar

Translation: Samuel Garratt

Samuel Garratt, ed., Hymns & Translations (London: James Nisbet & Co., 1867), #11, pp. 37-38.

XI. A CHRISTMAS SONG.

The angels came down in their cohorts so bright,
Where the shepherds were watching their flocks by night,
And they said that an infant, tender and mild,
Was laid in the manger,—a wonderful child.

In Bethlehem, the city of David of old,
As Micah, the prophet of yore, has foretold,
That infant, the Lord Jesus Christ, you may see,
Born there that the Saviour of all He may be.

Rejoice and be glad, for indeed it is true;
The great God from heaven has become one with you,
Your flesh and your blood condescended to take,
And for ever Himself your Brother to make.

Death and sin over you no longer shall reign,
For your God, the true God, will with you remain,
What matters the anger of Devil or hell,
Since God's only Son in your nature will dwell?

Now leave you alone He nor can nor He will,
In the firm trust of faith believe and be still;
Assured that whatever your soul may assail,
While salvation is His, yours never'shall fail.

And since ye are now made God's children on earth,
Be sure that ye walk as becomes your high birth,
In thanks everlasting to God give the praise,
And in patience of hope rejoice all your days.

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