Common Service Book of the Lutheran Church ‎#533

533. Behold a Branch is growing

1 Behold, a Branch is growing
Of loveliest form and grace;
As prophets sung, foreknowing,
It springs from Jesse's race,
And bears one little Flower
In midst of coldest winter,
At deepest midnight hour.

2 Isaiah hath foretold It
In words of promise sure,
And Mary's arms enfold It
A Virgin meek and pure.
Through God's eternal will
This Child to her is given,
At midnight calm and still.

3 The shepherds heard the story
Proclaimed by angels bright,
How Christ, the Lord of glory
Was born on earth this night.
To Bethlehem they sped;
And in the manger found Him,
As angel-heralds said.

4 This Flower, Whose fragrance tender
With sweetness fills the air,
Dispels with glorious splendor
The darkness everywhere.
True Man, yet very God,
From sin and death He saves us
And lightens every load.

5 0 Saviour, Child of Mary,
Who felt our human woe;
O Saviour, King of glory,
Who dost our weakness know,
Bring us at length we pray
To the bright courts of heaven,
And to the endless day.

Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Behold a Branch is growing
• Translator (stanzas 1-4): Harriet R. Krauth (1875)
• Translator (stanza 5): John Caspar Mattes (1914)
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1917
• Topic: Hymns for Children
• Source: XVI Century

Tune Information

• Name: ES IST EIN REIS ENTSPRUNGEN
• Meter: 7 6, 7 6, 6 7 6
• Key: F Major
• Source: Traditional Rhenish Folk Song; Alte Kath. Kirchengesang, Köln, 1599, Altered Rhythm