The translator is unknown - but the translated version was printed in the Sunday School Hymnal, English Evangelical Lutheran Synod of Missouri (St. Louis, Missouri: Concordia Publishing House in 1912, meaning that it is now in the public domain in the USA, and quite possibly in the rest of the world also.
With meter 6.5.6.5 D, it is set to the tune IHR KINDERLEIN KOMMET, composed by J. A. P. Schulz - and there are several translations of the text which use this same tune.
Downloads
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Examples
Small choir with piano and guitar:
Choir with light orchestra - original Germany words:
Instrumental - electronic organ:
Father and daughter duet, guitar - original Germany lyrics:
Lyrics
Original translation
Come hither, ye children, O come one and all,To Bethlehem haste, to the manger so small;
God’s Son for a gift has been sent you this night
To be your Redeemer, your joy and delight.
He’s born in a stable for you and for me,
Draw near by the bright gleaming starlight to see,
In swaddling clothes lying, so meek and so mild,
And purer than angels—the heavenly Child.
See Mary and Joseph with love-beaming eyes
Are gazing upon the rude bed where He lies;
The shepherds are kneeling, with hearts full of love,
While angels sing loud hallelujahs above.
Kneel down and adore Him with shepherds today,
Lift up little hands now and praise Him as they;
Rejoice that a Savior from sin you can boast,
And join in the song of the heavenly host.
O Jesus, my Savior, what must not be done,
What must not be suffered for sin to atone!
From infancy sorrow and pain Thou must know
Till Thou on the cross tasteth death’s bitter woe.
Dear Christ Child, what gifts can we children bestow,
By which our affection and gladness to show?
No riches and treasures of value can be,
But hearts that believe are accepted with Thee.
Our hearts, then, to Thee we will offer today,
We offer them gladly; accept them we pray,
And make them so spotless and pure that we may
Abide in Thy presence in Heaven for aye.
Modern-language version
Come with me, you children, O come one and all,To Bethlehem haste, to the manger so small;
God’s Son for a gift has been sent you this night
To be your Redeemer, your joy and delight.
He’s born in a stable for you and for me,
Draw near by the bright gleaming starlight to see,
In swaddling clothes lying, so meek and so mild,
And purer than angels—the heavenly Child.
See Mary and Joseph with love-beaming eyes
Are gazing upon the rude bed where He lies;
The shepherds are kneeling, with hearts full of love,
While angels sing loud hallelujahs above.
Kneel down and adore Him with shepherds today,
Lift up little hands now and praise Him as they;
Rejoice that a Savior from sin you can boast,
And join in the song of the heavenly host.
O Jesus, my Saviour, what must not be done,
What must not be suffered for sin to atone!
From infancy ,sorrow and pain You must know
Till You on the cross taste death’s bitter woe.
Dear Christ Child, what gifts can we children bestow,
By which our affection and gladness to show?
No riches and treasures of value can be,
But hearts that believe are cherished with glee.
Our hearts, then, to You we will offer today,
We offer them gladly; accept them we pray,
And make them so spotless and pure that we may
Abide in Your presence in Heaven one day.
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