Catherine Winkworth (trans.) · 82 of 114

Twenty-fifth Sunday after Trinity: Rejoice, the Lord is at hand

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign, and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth.

From the Passage for the Epistle. [Jer. 23:5]

Redeemer of the nations, come! Ransom of earth, here make Thy home! Bright Sun, oh dart Thy flame to earth, For so shall God in Christ have birth!

Thou comest from Thy kingly throne, O Son of God, the Virgin's Son! Thou Hero of a twofold race, Dost walk in might earth's darkest place.

Thou stoopest once to suffer here, And risest o'er the starry sphere; Hell's gates at Thy descent were riven, Thy ascent is to highest Heaven.

One with the Father! Prince of might! O'er nature's realm assert Thy right, Our sickly bodies pine to know Thy heavenly strength, Thy living glow.

How bright Thy lowly manger beams! Down earth's dark vale its glory streams, The splendour of Thy natal night Shines through all Time in deathless light.

Komm Heidenheiland, Lösegeld