WS 714: BREAK FORTH, O BEAUTEOUS HEAV'NLY LIGHT

Christmas

1. Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
You 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.

Notes:

Text: Johann Rist, 1607-6'7, abr; tr. John Troutbeck, 1532—99, alt. Tune: Johann Schop, c. 1590-1667, a1t.; Setting: Johann S. Bach, 1685-1750