We Sing To Thee, Emmanuel

For Christmas

Words: "Wir Singen Dir Immanuel"

Author: Paul Gerhardt (1606-1676)

Translation by Frances Elizabeth Cox, 1864

Source: Frances Elizabeth Cox, Hymns from the German (London: Rivingtons, 1864), p. 35.

O that the Salvation were given unto Israel out of Sion!
O that the Lord would deliver His People out of captivity!
Then should Jacob rejoice, and Israel should be right glad.
Psalm 53: 7- 8

1. We sing to Thee, Emmanuel,
The Prince of Life, Salvation's Well,
The Plant of Heaven, the Star of Morn,
The Lord of lords, the Virgin-born !

2. All glory, worship, thanks, and praise,
That Thou art come in these our days;
Thou Heavenly Guest expected long,
We hail Thee with a joyful song.

3. For Thee, since first the world was made,
Men's hearts have waited, watched, and prayed;
Prophets and patriarchs, year by year,
Have longed to see Thy Light appear.

4. “O God,” they prayed, “from Sion rise,
And hear Thy captive people's cries;
At length, O Lord, salvation bring,
Then Jacob shall rejoice and sing!”

5. Now Thou, by Whom the world was made,
Art in Thy Manger-cradle laid,
Maker of all things great, art small,
Naked Thyself, though clothing all.

6. Thou Who both Heaven and earth dost sway,
In strangers' in art fain to stay,
And though Thy power makes angels blest,
Dost seek Thy food from human breast.

7. Encouraged thus, our love grows bold
On Thee to lay our steadfast hold;
The Cross which Thou didst undergo
Has vanquished Death, and healed our woe.

8. Thou art our Head, then, Lord of Thee
True living members we will be,
And, in the strength Thy Grace shall give,
Will live as Thou wouldst have us live.

9. As each short year goes quickly round,
Our Alleluias shall resound;
And, when we reckon years no more,
May we in heaven Thy Name adore.

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