Church Book ‎#131

131. Good news from heaven the angels bring

1 Good news from heaven the angels bring,
Glad tidings to the earth they sing:
To us this day a Child is given,
To crown us with the joy of heaven.

2 This is the Christ, our God and Lord,
Who in all need shall aid afford;
He will Himself our Saviour be,
From all our sins to set us free.

3 To us that blessedness He brings,
Which from the Father's bounty springs:
That in the heavenly realm we may
With Him enjoy eternal day.

4 All hail, Thou noble Guest, this morn,
Whose love did not the sinner scorn:
In my distress Thou comest to me;
What thanks shall I return to Thee?

5 Were earth a thousand times as fair,
Beset with gold and jewels rare,
She yet were far too poor to be
A narrow cradle, Lord, for Thee.

6 Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make Thee a bed, soft, undefiled,
Within my heart, that it may be
A quiet chamber kept for Thee.

7 Praise God upon His heavenly throne,
Who gave to us His only Son:
For this His hosts, on joyful wing,
A blest New Year of mercy sing.

Text Information

• First Line: Good news from heaven the angels bring
• German Title: Vom Himmel hoch da kommich her
• Translator: Miss Winkworth (1855, a)
• Translator: Arthur Tozer Russell (1848, a)
• Author: Martin Luther (1535)
• Meter: L. M.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1890
• Topic: Christmas; Christmas Day
• Notes: Now Public Domain. Alternate tune #255

Tune Information

• Name: VOM HIMMEL HOCH DA KOMM ICH HER
• Meter: L. M.
• Key: D Major
• Notes: Now Public Domain. Source from index: Secular origin, 1540, Har. chiefly Havergal