Good News From Heav'n The Angels Bring

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

Translated from German to English by Catherine Winkworth, 1855, and A. T. Russell.
Luther wrote this hymn for the Christmas Eve festival held annually at his house. The opening verses were traditionally sung by a man dressed as an angel.

Text based on Luke 2: 1-18

See: Winkworth's Original Translation

Music: "Von Himmel Hoch," Magdeburger Gesangbuch;
MIDI / Noteworthy Composer / XML
Source: O. Hardwig, ed., The Wartburg Hymnal
(Chicago: Wartburg Publishing House, 1918), #122

1. Good news from heav'n the angels bring
Glad tidings to the earth they sing:
To us this day a child is giv'n,
To crown us with the joy of heav'n.

2. This is the Christ, our God and Lord,
Who in all need shall aid afford;
He will Himself our Saviour be,
From all our sins to set us free.

3. All hail, Thou noble Guest, this morn,
Whose love did not the sinner scorn;
In my distress Thou com'st to me;
What thanks shall I return to Thee?

4. Were earth a thousand times as fair,
Beset with gold and jewels rare,
She yet were far too poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee.

5. Ah, dearest Jesus, Holy Child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

6. Praise God upon His heavenly throne,
Who gave to us His only Son;
For this His hosts, on joyful wing,
A blest New Year of mercy sing.

Sheet Music from O. Hardwig, ed., The Wartburg Hymnal (Chicago: Wartburg Publishing House, 1918), #122

Sheet Music from  The Parish School Hymnal. Philadelphia: Board of Publication of the United Lutheran Church in America, 1926, #14

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