ALL PRAISE TO THEE, ETERNAL LORD
"The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light." Isaiah 9:2
Words: Martin Luther, 1535.
Music: "Puer Nobis Nascitur," Trier manuscript, 15th Century. Adapted
by Michael Praetorius, 1609; harmony by George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1910
All praise to Thee, Eternal Lord,
Clothed in a garb of flesh and blood;
Choosing a manger for Thy throne,
While worlds on worlds are Thine alone.
Once did the skies before Thee bow;
A virgin's arms contain Thee now,
While angels, who in Thee rejoice,
Now listen for Thine infant voice.
A little Child, Thou art our Guest,
That weary ones in Thee may rest;
Forlorn and lowly is Thy birth;
That we may rise to heaven from earth.
Thou comest in the darksome night
To make us children of the light;
To make us, in the realms divine,
Like Thine own angels round Thee shine.
All this for us Thy love hath done;
By this to Thee our love is won;
For this we tune our cheerful lays,
And sing our thanks in ceaseless praise.