[2132]Ebeling:

Johann G. Ebeling, 1666

[2133]Stella (Parker):

Horatio Parker, 1893

German; Paulus Gerhardt, 1656;

Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1861

All my heart this night rejoices,

As I hear,

Far and near,

Sweetest angel voices;

"Christ is born," their choirs are singing,

Till the air

Everywhere

Now with joy is ringing.

Hark! a voice from yonder manger,

Soft and sweet,

Doth entreat,

"Flee from woe and danger!

Brethren, come! from all doth grieve you,

You are freed;

All you need

I will surely give you."

Come, then, let us hasten yonder!

Here let all,

Great and small,

Kneel in awe and wonder!

Love him who with love is yearning!

Hail the star

That from far

Bright with hope is burning!

Thee, dear Lord, with heed I'll cherish,

Live to thee,

And with thee

Dying, shall not perish;

But shall dwell with thee for ever,

Far on high,

In the joy

That can alter never.

Amen.