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)

Now come, the nations' Savior,
As the Virgin's child revealed,
At this marvels all the world,
God such a birth him doth send.

3. Aria (T)

For love draws nigh with gentle paces
Its true belovéd more and more

Like as it brings the bride enchantment
When she the bridegroom near beholdeth,
E’en so the heart for Jesus yearns.

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

Strike the viols in Cythera
And let delightful 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.
Singing,
Dancing,
Jubilation cry triumphant, thank the Lord!
Great is the king of all honor.

5. Aria (B)

O welcome, love so dear!
My love and faith a place prepare
For thee within my heart made well,
Come in me dwell!

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

Thou who with the Father mesh,
Lead the conquest o'er the flesh,
That thy endless strength from God
May this our sick flesh enfold.

7. Aria (S)

E'en with our muted, feeble voices
We God's great majesty revere.

For sound nought but our spirit out,
That it him come as a great shout,
Which he in heav'n on high 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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