1. All my heart this night rejoices
   As I hear
   Far and near
   Sweetest angel voices.
   “Christ is born,” their choirs are singing
   Till the air
   Ev’rywhere
   Now with joy is ringing.

2. Forth today the Conqu’ror goeth,
   Who the foe,
   Sin and woe,
   Death and hell, o’erthroweth.
   God is man, man to deliver;
   His dear Son
   Now is one
   With our blood forever.

3. Shall we still dread God’s displeasure,
   Who, to save,
   Freely gave
   His most cherished Treasure?
   To redeem us, He hath given
   His own Son
   From the throne
   Of His might in heaven.

4. Should He who Himself imparted
   Aught withhold
   From the fold,
   Leave us brokenhearted?
   Should the Son of God not love us,
   Who, to cheer
   Suff’rers here,
   Left His throne above us?

5. If our blessèd Lord and Maker
   Hated men,
   Would He then
   Be of flesh partaker?
   If He in our woe delighted,
   Would He bear
   All the care
   Of our race benighted?

6. He becomes the Lamb that taketh
   Sin away
   And for aye
   Full atonement maketh.
   For our life His own He tenders
   And our race,
   By His grace,
   Meet for glory renders.

7. Hark! a voice from yonder manger,
   Soft and sweet,
   Doth entreat:
   “Flee from woe and danger.
   Brethren, from all ills that grieve you
   You are freed;
   All you need
   I will surely give you.”

8. Come, then, banish all your sadness,
   One and all,
   Great and small;
   Come with songs of gladness.
   Love Him who with love is glowing;
   Hail the Star
   Near and far
   Light and joy bestowing.

9. Ye whose anguish knew no measure,
   Weep no more;
   See the door
   To celestial pleasure.
   Cling to Him, for He will guide you
   Where no cross,
   Pain, or loss
   Can again betide you.

10. Hither come, ye heavy-hearted,
    Who for sin,
    Deep within
    Long and sore have smarted;
    For the poisoned wounds you’re feeling
    Help is near,
    One is here
    Mighty for their healing.

11. Hither come, ye poor and wretched;
    Know His will
    Is to fill
    Ev’ry hand outstretchèd.
    Here are riches without measure;
    Here forget
    All regret,
    Fill your hearts with treasure.

12. Let me in my arms receive Thee;
    On Thy breast
    Let me rest,
    Savior, ne’er to leave Thee.
    Since Thou hast Thyself presented
    Now to me,
    I shall be
    Evermore contented.

13. Guilt no longer can distress me;
    Son of God,
    Thou my load
    Bearest to release me.
    Stain in me Thou findest never;
    I am clean,
    All my sin
    Is removed forever.

14. I am pure, in Thee believing,
    From Thy store
    Evermore
    Righteous robes receiving.
    In my heart I will enfold Thee,
    Treasure rare,
    Let me there,
    Loving, ever hold Thee.

15. Dearest Lord, Thee will I cherish.
    Though my breath
    Fail in death,
    Yet I shall not perish,
    But with Thee abide forever
    There on high,
    In that joy
    Which can vanish never.

Fröhlich soll mein Herzen springen
Paul Gerhardt, 1653
Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1858, alt.
Source: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, No. 77