Piano Demo
0:00
Hymnal Number
788Resource Type:
Keys included:
Bm
About this Hymn
Here we find a robust and majestic hymn about the descent of Christ from heavenly realms to humble earth by Lutheran pastor Philipp Nicolai, interpreted via the pen of Anglican priest William Mercer, and harmonized multiple times by the greatest of all Lutheran composers, Johann Sebastian Bach, representing some of the highest craft in hymn writing. This particular harmonization comes from Bach's Cantata BWV 36.
Lyrics
Verse 1
How brightly shines the Morning Star, with mercy beaming from afar; the host of heav'n rejoices; O Righteous Branch, O Jesse's Rod! Thou Son of Man and Son of God! We too will lift our voices: Jesus, Jesus! Holy, holy, yet most lowly, draw thou near us; great Emmanuel, come and hear us.
Verse 2
Though circled by the hosts on high, he deigned to cast a pitying eye upon his helpless creature; the whole creation's Head and Lord, by highest seraphim adored, assumed our very nature; Jesus, grant us, through your merit, to inherit your salvation; hear, oh, hear our supplication.
Verse 3
Rejoice, O heav'ns, and earth, reply; with praise, O sinners, fill the sky for this, his incarnation. Incarnate God, put forth your pow'r; ride on, ride on, great Conqueror, till all know your salvation. Amen, amen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise be given evermore by earth and heaven.
How brightly shines the Morning Star, with mercy beaming from afar; the host of heav'n rejoices; O Righteous Branch, O Jesse's Rod! Thou Son of Man and Son of God! We too will lift our voices: Jesus, Jesus! Holy, holy, yet most lowly, draw thou near us; great Emmanuel, come and hear us.
Verse 2
Though circled by the hosts on high, he deigned to cast a pitying eye upon his helpless creature; the whole creation's Head and Lord, by highest seraphim adored, assumed our very nature; Jesus, grant us, through your merit, to inherit your salvation; hear, oh, hear our supplication.
Verse 3
Rejoice, O heav'ns, and earth, reply; with praise, O sinners, fill the sky for this, his incarnation. Incarnate God, put forth your pow'r; ride on, ride on, great Conqueror, till all know your salvation. Amen, amen! Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise be given evermore by earth and heaven.
Copyrighted lyrics may be used in corporate worship in accordance with a valid CCLI license. Lyrics should be displayed unaltered and include author and copyright information. All other uses require permission from the copyright holder.
Attribution & Copyright
Words: Philipp Nicolai, 1599; tr. William Mercer, 1854, rev. 1859
Music: Philipp Nicolai, 1599; harm. J. S. Bach, 1731
Music: Philipp Nicolai, 1599; harm. J. S. Bach, 1731