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 this marvels all the world
God him such birth hath ordained.

2. Recit. (T)

To us is come the Savior,
Who this our feeble flesh and blood
Himself hath taken
And taketh us as kindred 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 every healthy doctrine,
And bless the pulpit and the altar!

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

See now, I stand before the door and knock on it. If someone my voice will hear and will open 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 dust and earth,
Will he me 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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