Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750), The Christmas
Oratorio, 1734
Part 2, For the Second Day of Christmas, St. Luke 2:8-14
No. 17, Chorale
Sheet music available at RoDeby Music Company
Behold! in lowly manger stall,
The Lord who reigneth over all;
Where fed before the oxen mild,
Now lies the Virgin's holy child.
German Original:
Schaut hin, dort liegt im fistern Stall,
Dess' Herrschaft gehet überall
Da Speise vormals sucht ein Rind.
Da ruhet jetzt der Jungfrau'n Kind
Free English Translation:
Behold here: there in a dark stable lies
the One who has dominion over all.
Where, before, an ox sought food
there now rests the Virgin's Child.