Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary ‎#143

143. The Happy Christmas Comes Once More

1 The happy Christmas comes once more;
The heav'nly Guest is at the door,
The blessed words the shepherds thrill,
The joyous tidings: Peace, goodwill.

2 To David's city let us fly,
Where angels sing beneath the sky;
Through plainand village pressing near,
And news from God with shepherds hear.

3 O let us go with quiet mind,
The gentle Babe with shepherds find,
To gaze on Him who gladdens them,
The loveliest flow'r on Jesse's stem.

4 The lowly Savior meekly lies,
Laid off the splendor of the skies;
No crown bedecks His forehead fair,
No pearl, nor gem, nor silk is there.

5 No human glory, might, and gold,
The lovely infant's form enfold;
The manger and the swaddlings poor
Are His, whom angels' songs adore.

6 O wake our hearts, in gladness sing,
And keep our Christmas with our King,
Till living song, from loving souls,
Like sound of mighty water rolls!

7 O holy Child, Thy manger gleams
Till earth and heav'n glow with it beams,
Till midnight hath noon's brightness won,
And Jacob's Star outshines the sun.

8 Thou patriarchs' joy, Thou prophets' song,
Thou heav'nly Day-spring looked for long,
Thou Son of Man, incarnate Word,
Great David's Son, great David's Lord!

9 Come, Jesus, glorious heav'nly Guest,
Keep Thine own Christmas in our breast;
Then David's harp-string, hushed so long,
Shall swell our jubilee of song.

Text Information

• First Line: The happy Christmas comes once more
• Title: The Happy Christmas Comes Once More
• Danish Title: Det kimer ny til Julefest
• Author: N. F. S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872
• Translator: C. P. Krauth, 1823-83
• Meter: L M
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1996
• Topic: Nativity of our Lord

Tune Information

• Name: DET KIMER NU TIL JULEFEST
• Composer: C. C. N. Balle, 1806-55
• Meter: L M
• Key: D Major