Voices Together ‎#261

261. Good Christian Friends, Rejoice

1 Good Christian friends, rejoice,
with heart and soul and voice.
Give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ is born today!
Ox and ass before him bow,
and he is in the manger now.
Christ is born today!
Christ is born today!

2 Good Christian friends, rejoice,
with heart and soul and voice.
Now ye hear of endless bliss;
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He has opened heaven’s door,
and we are bless’d forevermore.
Christ was born for this!
Christ was born for this!

3 Good Christian friends, rejoice,
with heart and soul and voice.
Now ye need not fear the grave;
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one and calls you all,
to gain his everlasting hall.
Christ was born to save!
Christ was born to save!

Text Information

• First Line: Good Christian friends, rejoice
• Title: Good Christian Friends, Rejoice
• Translator: John M. Neale
• Meter: 6.6.7.7.7.8.5.5
• Publication Date: 2020
• Scripture:
  Luke 2:1-20
• Topic: Heritage: Before 1500; Joy; Salvation
• Source: “In dulci jubilo” (present-day Germany), 14th c.; trans. John M. Neale (England), Carols for Christmastide, 1853, alt.

Tune Information

• Name: IN DULCI JUBILO
• Harmonizer: Robert L. Pearsall (1837)
• Meter: 6.6.7.7.7.8.5.5
• Key: F Major
• Source: German traditional, 14th c.; Geistliche Lieder (present-day Germany), 1535