1 Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice,
With exultation springing,
And, with united heart and voice
And holy rapture singing,
Proclaim the wonders God hath done,
How His right arm the vict'ry won;
Right dearly it hath cost Him.
2 Fast bound in Satan's chains I lay,
Death brooded darkly o'er me,
Sin was my torment night and day,
In sin my mother bore me;
Still deeper in despair I fell,
Life had become a living hell,
So firmly sin possessed me.
3 Then God beheld my wretched state
With deep commiseration;
He thought upon His mercy great,
And willed my soul's salvation;
He turned to me a Father's heart;
Not small the cost! to heal my smart,
He gave His best and dearest.
4 He spoke to His belovèd Son:
"'Tis time to have compassion:
Then go, bright Jewel of My crown,
And bring to man salvation;
From sin and sorrow set him free,
Slay bitter death for him, that he
May live with Thee forever."
5 The Son obeyed Him cheerfully,
And born of virgin mother,
Came down upon the earth to me,
That He might be my brother:
His mighty power doth work unseen,
He came in fashion poor and mean,
And took the devil captive.
6 We thank Thee, Lord, for boundless grace,
And sing Thy praise forever,
For granting us in dire distress
Thine everlasting favor.
Both death and hell were stricken down,
When Thou didst for our sins atone,
O Jesus, blessèd Saviour.
Amen.