18. 3 3. 6. D
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.
 
2  Hark! a voice from yonder manger,
    Soft and sweet, doth entreat:
    ‘Flee from woe and danger;
Brethren, come: from all that grieves you,
    You are freed: all you need
    I will surely give you.’
 
3  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.
 
4  Ye who pine in weary sadness,
    Weep no more, for the door
    Now is found of gladness;
Cling to Him, for He will guide you
    Where no cross, pain or loss
    Can again betide you.
 
5  Blessèd Saviour, let me find Thee;
    Keep Thou me close to Thee;
    Cast me not behind Thee;
Life of life, my heart Thou stillest,
    Calm I rest, on Thy breast,
    All this void Thou fillest.
 
6  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.
 
Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76,
tr Catherine Winkworth, 1827-78