Tune: Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland
-
Let the earth now praise the Lord,
Who hath truly kept His word
And the sinners’ Help and Friend
Now at last to us doth send. -
What the fathers most desired,
What the prophets’ heart inspired,
What they longed for many‿a year,
Stands fulfilled in glory here. -
Abram’s promised great Reward,
Zion’s Helper, Jacob’s Lord—
Him of twofold race behold—
Truly came, as long foretold. -
Welcome, O my Savior, now!
Hail! My Portion, Lord, art Thou.
Here, too, in my heart, I pray,
Oh, prepare Thyself a way! -
King of Glory, enter in;
Cleanse it from the filth of sin,
As Thou hast so often done;
It belongs to Thee alone. -
As Thy coming was in peace,
Quiet, full of gentleness,
Let the same mind dwell in me
That was ever found in Thee. -
Comfort my desponding heart;
Thou my Strength and Refuge art.
I am weak, and cunningly
Satan lays his snares for me. -
Bruise for me the Serpent’s head
That, set free from doubt and dread,
I may cleave to Thee in faith,
Safely kept through life and death. -
And when Thou dost come again
As a glorious King to reign,
I with joy may see Thy face,
Freely ransomed by Thy grace.
Gott sei Dank durch alle Welt
Heinrich Held, 1659
Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863
St. 7 tr. anon.
Source: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, No. 91
German Text (coming soon)