First Sunday in Advent.

Poet unknown.

1. Martin Luther, verse 1 of the German adaptation of "Veni redemptor gentium," 1524 (Wackernagel, III, #16); 2. based loosely on verse 7. 6. final verse of the hymn.

3 December 1724, Leipzig; again after 1732.

BG 16; NBA I/1.

1. Chorus [Verse 1] (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. Aria (T)

Admire, all ye people, this mystery's grandeur:
The highest of rulers appears to the world.

Here are all the treasures of heaven discovered,
Here for us a manna divine is ordained,
O wonder! Virginity bideth unblemished.

3. Recit. (B)

Now comes from God's great majesty and throne
His one begotten Son.
The man from Judah now appears
To run his course with gladness(1)
And us the fallen bring redemption.
O splendid light,
O sign of grace most wonderful!

4. Aria (B)

Fight victorious, hero strong!
Show for us in flesh thy power!

Ever striving
Our own power, now so feeble,
Strong to temper.

5. Recit. (S, A)

We honor this great majesty
And venture now near to thy manger
And praise thee now with lips of gladness
For what thou us hast brought;
For darkness did not trouble us
When we beheld thy lasting light.

6. Chorale [Verse 8] (S, A, T, B)

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

1. Cf. Ps. 19:5; The man from Judah, should properly be "The hero from Judah," if the music allowed.

© Copyright  Z. Philip Ambrose

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