Christmas Hymn: "Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth"

This evening I’m sharing another rich Christmas hymn: "Come, Thou Redeemer of the Earth."

Originally written in Latin, “Veni, Redemptor gentium”, the lyrics are attributed to St. Ambrose of Milan around the year 397. The words were translated into English by John M. Neale in 1862. The music was adapted in 1609 by Michael Praetorius.

You can listen and follow along here:

Come thou Redeemer of the earth,
Come, testify thy wondrous birth:
All lands admire, all times applaud:
Such is the birth that fits our God.

Forth from His chamber goeth He,
That royal home of purity,
A giant in twofold substance one,
Rejoicing now His course to run.

From God the Father He proceeds,
To God the Father back He speeds;
Runs out his course to death and hell
Returning on God's high throne to dwell.

O equal to the Father, Thou!
Gird on Thy fleshly mantle now;
The weakness of our mortal state
With deathless might invigorate.

Thy cradle here shall glitter bright,
And darkness breathe a newer light,
Where endless faith shall shine serene,
And twilight never intervene.

All laud eternal Son, to Thee;
Whose advent sets thy people free
Whom with the Father we adore,
And Holy Ghost, for evermore.

Amen.