Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light
From Oremus Hymnal
Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light,
And usher in the morning;
O 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.
This night of wonder, night of joy,
was born the Christ, our brother;
he comes, not mighty to destroy,
to bid us love each other.
How could he quit his kingly state
for such a world of greed and hate?
What deep humiliation
secured the world's salvation!
Come, dearest child, into our hearts,
and leave your crib behind you!
Let this be where the new life starts
for all who seek and find you.
To you the honor, thanks, and praise,
for all your gifts this time of grace;
come, conquer and deliver
this world, and us, forever.
Verses 2-3 copyright © 1989 Hope Publishing Co. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Contents |
Historical Notes
Translation of Brich an, O schönes Morgenlicht
Author
Verse 1: Johann Rist (1607-1667), 1641; trans. John Troutbeck, ca. 1885;
Words: verses 2 & 3 by Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000)
Meter
87 87 88 77Sound Files
Scores
Other Comments
The 1940 and 1982 Hymnals have a different translation.
Sources
Hymnal, Number, Tune(s)
| Hymnal | Number | Tunes Used |
|---|---|---|
| The Hymnal 1940 (US) | 25 | Ermuntre dich |
| Church Hymnal (Ireland), 1960 | 682 | Ermuntre dich |
| The Hymn Book 1971 (Canada) | 402 | Ermuntre dich |
| The Hymnal 1982 (US) | 91 | Ermuntre dich |
| Common Praise (Canada), 1998 | 147 | Ermuntre dich |
