From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

Perhaps you won't recognize this Christmas hymn by it's title or it's music. But I'm pretty sure the you will know the giant of a man who wrote the words-- Martin Luther. Those of us who claim a Reformation heritage and cling to the Reformed doctrines know Luther for his monumental stand against the abuses of the Roman Catholic clergy and their practices. And we know him for his prodigious output of translating the Bible into the common language so the church could read the Word for itself and on his Scripture commentaries. And we may know him for the mighty hymns (no pun intended) he wrote (A Mighty Fortress is our God).

But here is a Christmas hymn, authored by Luther. This charming song was written specifically for his 5 year old son, Hans, and it was to be sung at all family Christmas celebrations. Interesting to know that as God communicated with us by sending His Son into the world, Luther communicated the Gospel to his son with this story-song.

It contains 15 4-line verses and a man dressed as an angel would come into the gathering and sing:
"From heaven above to earth I come;
To bear good news to every home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
Whereof I now will say and sing."

Then follows the verses that tell the glorious story until verse 8 where the assembled children and adults answer:

"Welcome to earth, Thou noble Guest,
Through Whom e’en wicked men are blest!
Thou com’st to share our misery,
What can we render, Lord, to Thee!"

The verses then tell of the humble surroundings for the birth and remind us that Jesus Christ is for everyone - young, old; rich, poor, wise, simple. Christmas is beyond our understanding, and yet presented in a way that even small children can grasp.

I imagine the last 2 verses were sung with great feeling and a swelling of joyful, grateful voices:

"My heart for very joy doth leap,
My lips no more can silence keep,
I too must sing, with joyful tongue,
That sweetest ancient cradle song.

Glory to God in highest Heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given,
While angels sing, with pious mirth,
A glad New Year to all the earth."

I would hope that all parents would love telling THE Christmas story, finding unique ways to impress upon their children the "Glad tidings of great joy" while young hearts and eager minds can hear The Truth in all it's Glory!

All of the verses are here:http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/f/r/fromheav.htm