All my heart this night rejoices
as I hear far and near
sweetest angel voices.
“Christ is born,” their choirs are singing
’til the air ev’rywhere
now with joy is ringing.
Forth today the Conqu’ror 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.
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.
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,
fit for glory renders.
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.”
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.
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.