A Joyous Christmas Carol

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.

Come and banish all your sadness,

One and all,

Great and small,

Come with songs of gladness;

Love Him who with love is yearning;

Hail the star

That from far

Bright with hope is burning.

Hither come, ye heavy-hearted,

Who for sin,

Deep within,

Long and sore have smarted;

For the poisoned wounds you’re feeling

Help is near,

One is here

Mighty for their healing.

Faithfully Thee, Lord, I’ll cherish,

Live to Thee,

And with Thee

Dying, shall not perish,

But shall dwell with Thee forever,

Far on high,

In the joy

That can alter never.

Paul Gerhardt, 1656.