First Sunday in Advent.

Erdmann Neumeister, Geistliche Poesien (Eisenach, 1714) and Fünffache Kirchenandachten (Leipzig, 1717); Facs: Neumann T, p. 293.

1. Martin Luther, verse 1 of the German adaptation of Veni redemptor gentium, 1524 (Wackernagel, III, #16); 4. Rev. 3:20; 6. Philipp Nicolai, conclusion (Abgesang) of the last verse of Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern, 1599.

2 December 1714, Weimar.

BG 16; NBA I/1.

1. Ouverture [Chorale] (S, A, T, B)

Now come, the gentiles' Savior,
As the Virgin's child revealed,
At whom marvels all the world
That God him this birth ordained.

2. Recit. (T)

To us is come the Savior,
Who hath our feeble flesh and blood
Himself now taken
And taketh us as kinsmen of his blood.
O treasure unexcelled,
What hast thou not for us then done?
What dost thou not
Yet daily for thy people?
Thy coming makes thy light
Appear with richest blessing.

3. Aria (T)

Come, Jesus, come to this thy church now
And fill with blessing the new year!

Advance thy name in rank and honor,
Uphold thou ev'ry wholesome doctrine,
The pulpit and the altar bless!

4. Recit. [Dictum] (B)(1)

See now, I stand before the door and on it knock. If anyone my voice will render heed and make wide the door, I will come into his dwelling and take with him the evening supper, and he with me.

5. Aria (S)

Open wide, my heart and spirit,
Jesus comes and draws within.

Though I soon be earth and ashes,
Me he will yet not disdain,
That his joy he find in me
And that I become his dwelling.
Oh, how blessed shall I be!

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

Amen, amen!
Come, thou lovely crown of gladness, do not tarry(2).
Here I wait for thee with longing.

1. Representing the vox Christi.

2. In the alto and tenor parts where necessary: come, and do not tarry.

© Copyright  Z. Philip Ambrose

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