"All My Heart This Night Rejoices" by Paul Gerhardt, 1607-1676 Text From: The Lutheran Hymnal (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941) 1. All my heart this night rejoices As I hear Far and near Sweetest angel voices. "Christ is born," their choirs are singing Till the air Everywhere Now with joy is ringing. 2. Forth today the Conqueror goeth, Who the foe, Sin and woe, Death and hell, o'erthroweth. God is man, man to deliver; His dear Son Now is one With our blood forever. 3. Shall we still dread God's displeasure, Who, to save, Freely gave His most cherished Treasure? To redeem us, He hath given His own Son From the throne Of His might in heaven. 4. Should He who Himself imparted Aught withhold From the fold, Leave us broken-hearted? Should the Son of God not love us, Who, to cheer Sufferers here, Left His throne above us? 5. If our blessed Lord and Maker Hated men, Would He then Be of flesh partaker? If He in our woe delighted, Would He bear All the care Of our race benighted? 6. He becomes the Lamb that taketh Sin away And for aye Full atonement maketh. For our life His own He tenders And our race, By His grace, Meet for glory renders. 7. Hark! a voice from yonder manger, Soft and sweet, Doth entreat: "Flee from woe and danger. Brethren, from all ills that grieve you You are freed; All you need I will surely give you." 8. Come, then, banish all your sadness, One and all, Great and small; Come with songs of gladness. Love Him who with love is glowing; Hail the Star, Near and far Light and joy bestowing. 9. Ye whose anguish knew no measure, Weep no more; See the door To celestial pleasure. Cling to Him, for He will guide you Where no cross, Pain, or loss Can again betide you. 10. Hither come, ye heavy-hearted, Who for sin, Deep within, Long and sore have smarted; For the poisoned wound you're feeling Help is near, One is here Mighty for their healing. 11. Hither come, ye poor and wretched; Know His will Is to fill Every hand outstretched. Here are riches without measure; Here forget All regret, Fill your hearts with treasure. 12. Let me in my arms receive Thee; On Thy breast Let me rest, Savior, ne'er to leave Thee. Since Thou hast Thyself presented Now to me, I shall be Evermore contented. 13. Guilt no longer can distress me; Son of God, Thou my load Bearest to release me. Stain in me Thou findest never; I am clean, All my sin Is removed forever. 14. I am pure, in Thee believing, From Thy store Evermore Righteous robes receiving. In my heart I will enfold Thee, Treasure rare, Let me there, Loving, ever hold Thee. 15. Dearest Lord, Thee will I cherish. Though my breath Fail in death, Yet I shall not perish, But with Thee abide forever There on high, In that joy Which can vanish never. _______________________________________________________________ Notes: Hymn #77 from The Lutheran Hymnal Text: Luke 2:11 Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1653 Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1858, alt. Titled: "Froehlich soll mein Herze springen" Composer: Johann Crueger, 1653 Tune: "Froehlich soll mein Herze" ______________________________________________________________ This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg by Cindy A. Beesley and is in the public domain. You may freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther Library Concordia Theological Seminary. E-mail: robert.smith@ctsfw.edu Surface Mail: 6600 N. Clinton St.,Ft. Wayne, IN 46825 USA Phone: (260) 452-3149 Fax: (260) 452-2126 ______________________________________________________________