1. O rejoice, ye Christians, loudly,
   For our joy hath now begun;
   Wondrous things our God hath done.
   Tell abroad His goodness proudly
   Who our race hath honored thus
   That He deigns to dwell with us.
   Joy, O joy beyond all gladness,
   Christ hath done away with sadness!
   Hence, all sorrow and repining,
   For the Sun of Grace is shining!

2. See, my soul, thy Savior chooses
   Weakness here and poverty;
   In such love He comes to thee
   Nor the hardest couch refuses;
   All He suffers for our good,
   To redeem thee by His blood.
   Joy, O joy beyond all gladness,
   Christ hath done away with sadness!
   Hence, all sorrow and repining,
   For the Sun of Grace is shining!

3. Lord, how shall I thank Thee rightly?
   I acknowledge that by Thee
   I am saved eternally.
   Let me not forget it lightly,
   But to Thee at all times cleave
   And my heart true peace receive.
   Joy, O joy beyond all gladness,
   Christ hath done away with sadness!
   Hence, all sorrow and repining,
   For the Sun of Grace is shining!

4. Jesus, guard and guide Thy members,
   Fill Thy brethren with Thy grace,
   Hear their prayers in ev’ry place.
   Quicken now life’s faintest embers;
   Grant all Christians, far and near,
   Holy peace, a glad New Year!
   Joy, O joy beyond all gladness,
   Christ hath done away with sadness!
   Hence, all sorrow and repining,
   For the Sun of Grace is shining!

Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle
Christian Keimann, 1646
Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
Source: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941, No. 96