Break forth, O beauteous heav'nly light,
And usher in the morning;
Ye shepherds, shrink not with affright,
but hear the angels' warning.
This child, now weak in infancy,
Our confidence and joy shall be,
The pow'rs of evil breaking,
Our peace eternal making.
Johann Rist, 1681;
tr. John Troutbeck, c.1887, alt.
Tune: ERMUNTRE DICH (8.7.8.7.8.8.7.7.)
Johann Schop, 1641;
harm. Johann Sebastian Bach (?), 1734
Ten Years Ago: Once in royal David's city
Nine Years Ago: Where is this stupendous stranger?
Six Years Ago: Hark! the herald angels sing
Four Years Ago: What child is this?
Three Years Ago: Angels we have heard on high
Two Years Ago: Good Christian friends, rejoice!
