From Heaven High I Come To You

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

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)

Source: Original Trinity Hymnal, #166

Part 1: The Angel's Message

1. From heaven high I come to you,
I bring you tidings good and new;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring,
Whereof I now will say and sing:

2. To you this night is born a child
Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This little child, of lowly birth,
Shall be the joy of all the earth.

3. This is the Christ, our God and Lord,
Who in all need shall aid afford;
He will himself your Saviour be
From all your sins to set you free.

Part 2: Our Response

4. These are the tokens ye shall mark:
The swaddling-clothes and manger dark:
There ye shall find the Infant laid
By whom the heav'ns and earth were made.

5. Now let us all with gladsome cheer
Go with the shepherds and draw near
To see the precious gift of God,
Who hath his own dear Son bestowed.

6. Welcome to earth, thou noble Guest,
Through whom the sinful world is blest!
In my distress thou com'st to me;
What thanks shall I return to thee?

This verse may be sun 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.

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