From Heaven Above To Earth I Come

From Heaven above to earth I come

To bear good news to every home;

Glad tidings of great joy I bring

Whereof I now will say and sing:

To you this night is born a child

Of Mary, chosen mother mild;

This little child, of lowly birth,

Shall be the joy of all your earth.

‘Tis Christ our God who far on high

Has heard your sad and bitter cry;

Himself will your salvation be,

Himself from sin will make you free.

He brings those blessings, long ago

Prepared by God for all below;

Henceforth his kingdom open stands

To you, as to the angel bands.

Glory to God in highest Heaven,

Who unto us his Son has given!

While angels sing with pious mirth

A glad New Year to all the earth.

Tune: Von Himmel Hoch L.M.

Music: Geistliche Lieder, Leipzig, 1539

Text: Martin Luther, 1539

Translation: Catherine Winkworth, 1855, alt.