First Sunday in Advent.

Perhaps Picander.

2. Martin Luther, verse 1 of "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland" (the translation of "Veni redemptor gentium"), 1524 (Wackernagel, III, #16); 4. Philipp Nicolai, verse 6 of "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern," 1599; 6. verse 6 of "Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland"; 8. final verse of the preceding.

2 December 1731, Leipzig; Parody: 1, 3, 5, 7 <--- BWV 36c/1, 3, 5, 7.

BG 7; NBA I/1.

1. Chorus (S, A, T, B)

Soar joyfully aloft amidst the starry grandeur,
Ye voices, ye who now in Zion gladly dwell!
No, wait awhile! Your sound shall not have far to travel,
To you draws nigh himself the Lord of majesty.

2. Chorale (S, A)

Come now, the nations' Savior,
As the Virgin's child made known,
At this marvels all the world,
That God this birth gave to him.

3. Aria (T)

Now love doth draw with gentle paces
Its true belove'd more and more

Like as it brings the bride enchantment
When she the bridegroom near beholdeth,
E'en so the heart doth Jesus seek.

4. Chorus (S, A, T, B)

Raise the viols in Cythera
And let now charming Musica
With joy and gladness echo,
That I may with my Jesus-child,
With this exquisite groom of mine,
In constant love e'er journey.
Sing now,
Dance now,
Jubilation cry triumphant, thank the Lord now!
Great is the king of all honor.

5. Aria (B)q

O welcome, dearest love!
My love and faith prepare a place
For thee within my heart that's pure,
Come dwell in me!

6. Chorale (S, A, T, B)

Thou who art the Father like,
Lead the conquest o'er the flesh,
That thy God's eternal pow'r
May by our sick flesh be held.

7. Aria (S)

E'en with our muted, feeble voices
Is God's great majesty adored.

For sound nought but our soul alone,
This is to him a mighty shout,
Which he in heav'n itself doth hear.

8. Chorale (S, A, T, B)

Praise to God, the Father, be,
Praise to God, his only Son,
Praise to God, the Holy Ghost,
Ever and eternally!

© Copyright  Z. Philip Ambrose

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