Now Israel’s Hope in Triumph Ends

Now Israel’s hope in triumph ends,
With angels’ glorious song ascends
A star of heavenly splendor.
O’er Bethlehem it shineth bright,
All people guided by its light,
Shall come and homage render.
Great light, bright light,
Now descendeth, darkness endeth,
Day beginneth;
Light to all the world it bringeth.

Among us dwells in truth and grace
The hidden God, who loves our race;
He brought us all salvation.
The glory of the Son we see,
The only Son’s true majesty,
And bow in adoration.
Draw near and hear,
Every nation now salvation
God bestoweth.
And His love and mercy showeth.

Rejoice, my soul, and bless His Name
Who to the lost and fallen came
To open Heaven’s portals.
Rejoice that God will mercy show,
The broken covenant renew
With us poor sinful mortals.
Now be glory
Ever given God in Heaven;
Peace unending
Be to earth from Heaven descending.

Author: Johann Heermann

Year: 1638

This is a translation of Heermann's German Epiphany hymn "Nun jauchzet, all ihr Frommen" (or a closely related text). The original appeared in his 1638 collection "Devoti Musica Cordis". English versions vary, but the content and structure match Heermann's work.