BREAK FORTH, O BEAUTEOUS HEAVENLY LIGHT
"The Gentiles shall come to Thy light, and kings to the brightness of
Thy rising." Isaiah 60:3
Words: Johann Rist, 1641; translated from German to English by John
Troutbeck, circa 1885.
Music: "Ermuntre Dich," Johann Schop, 1641; harmony by Johann Sebastian
Bach, 1734.
Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
O shepherds, shrink not with afright,
But hear the angel's warning.
This Child, now weak in infancy,
Our confidence and joy shall be,
The power of Satan breaking,
Our peace eternal making.