Ah, Dearest Jesus, Holy Child

Representative Text

1 Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child,
Make thee a bed, soft, undefiled
Within our hearts, that they may be
All quiet chambers kept for thee.

2 Our hearts for very joy do leap,
Our lips no more can silence keep;
We, too, must sing with joyful tongue
That sweetest ancient cradle song.

3 Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man his Son hath given,
While angels sing with tender mirth
A glad new year to all the earth.

Amen.

Source: The Worshipbook: Services and Hymns #279

Author: Catherine Winkworth

Catherine Winkworth (b. Holborn, London, England, 1827; d. Monnetier, Savoy, France, 1878) is well known for her English translations of German hymns; her translations were polished and yet remained close to the original. Educated initially by her mother, she lived with relatives in Dresden, Germany, in 1845, where she acquired her knowledge of German and interest in German hymnody. After residing near Manchester until 1862, she moved to Clifton, near Bristol. A pioneer in promoting women's rights, Winkworth put much of her energy into the encouragement of higher education for women. She translated a large number of German hymn texts from hymnals owned by a friend, Baron Bunsen. Though often altered, these translations continue to be used i… Go to person page >

Text Information

First Line: Ah, dearest Jesus, holy Child
Title: Ah, Dearest Jesus, Holy Child
Author: Catherine Winkworth
Language: English

Tune

VOM HIMMEL HOCH

Initially Luther used the folk melody associated with his first stanza as the tune for this hymn. Later he composed this new tune for his text. VOM HIMMEL HOCH was first published in Valentin Schumann's Geistliche Lieder in 1539. Johann S. Bach (PHH 7) used Luther's melody in three places in his wel…

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Timeline

Media

The Cyber Hymnal #30
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The Cyber Hymnal #30

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