BWV 63 Christen, ätzet diesen Tag
Christmas Day. Possibly Johann Michael Heineccius (see Dürr, p. 108); PT (Halle, 1717); Facs: Neumann T, p. 303. Between 1713 and 1716, Halle; again 25 December 1723, Leipzig. BG 16; NBA I/2. 1. Chorus (S, A, T, B) Christians, etch ye now this day
And display with lips of gladness All your thanks and all you owe; For the light which here breaks forth Shows to you a sign of blessing. 2. Recit. (A) O blessed day! O day exceeding rare, this, 3. Aria (S, B) God, thou hast all well accomplished
And rely upon his favor, For he hath on us bestowed What shall ever be our pleasure. 4. Recit. (T) Transformed be now today 5. Aria (A, T) Call and unto heaven cry,
And with such salvation sealeth, More than we could thank him for. 6. Recit. (B) Redouble then your strength, ye ardent flames of worship, 7. Chorus (S, A, T, B) Highest, look with grace upon
To thine ears resound with pleasure. Let us e'er in blessing walk, But yet / Let it / never come to pass That us Satan seek to torment. 1. Cf. Gen. 49:10. Luther translates Shiloh with Held 'hero.' English versions include champion and strong man. Cf. BWV 62/3. 2. "Paradise" (Persian for 'garden') is the Garden of Eden. © Copyright Z. Philip Ambrose |