Translation of stanzas 1–6, 8, 9, 11, 12, and 20.
- To thee, Immanuel, we sing,
The Prince of Life, of grace the spring,
Bright morning star, chaste heavenly flower,
Thou virgin’s son, yet God of power.
Halleluia! - We join with all redemption’s throngs,
With strength, with praise, we sing our songs
That thou, our heavenly longed-for rest,
Again art as our earthly guest.
Halleluia! - Since this great world by God was made,
How many hearts for thee have prayed!
The “Father’s” hope for many a year,
Thy birth did priest and prophet cheer.
Halleluia! - And others, too thy reign did sing,
The “shepherd lad,” of Israel king,
“Man of thy heart” who heavenward ran,
Upon the harp this song he sang.
Halleluia! - “Oh, that the Lord from Zion came
To rend these bondage cords in twain;
If this strong help he could but see,
Then Jacob well might happy be.”
Halleluia! - Now thou art here—there thou dost lie,
Asleep—in cradle-bed close by,
Thou’rt small, and yet mad’st all things great,
Art naked, yet didst all create.
Halleluia! - Thou hast the sea in fetters bound,
Yet swaddling-clothes enwrap thee round,
Art God—yet in a manger cast,
Art Man—yet still the first and last.
Halleluia! - Thou art the source of every joy,
yet drinkest in grief’s stern alloy;
Dost to the heathen comfort speak,
Yet dost thyself for comfort seek.
Halleluia! - Look on thy servant poor indeed,
I do not hide from thee my need;
The love is great I bear to thee,
But not what I would have it be.
Halleluia! - The will is strong—the flesh is frail,
Ah! do not let my pleadings fail;
My poor sick heart, its every plea,
I know thy grace will take from me.
Halleluia! - Then “Hallelujah,” o’er and o’er,
Will I on earth sing more and more;
And then thy mansions shall resound,
With songs that know no time or bound.
Halleluia!