Dear Christians, One and All, Rejoice
Martin Luther

Dear Christians, one and all, rejoice
with exultation springing
and with united heart and voice
and holy rapture singing
proclaim the wonders   God has done
How His right arm the vict'ry won
What price our ransom cost Him!

My own good works all came to naught
no grace or merit gaining
free will against God's judgement fought
dead to all good remaining
my fears increased till sheer despair
left only death to be my share
the pangs of hell I suffered

But God had seen my wretched state
before the world's foundation
and mindful of His mercies great
He planned for my salvation
He turned to me a father's heart;
He did not choose the easy part
But gave his dearest treasure

The Son obeyed His Father's will
Was born of virgin mother
and God's good pleasure to fulfill
He came to be my brother
His royal pow'r disguised He bore
A servant's form, like mine, He wore
To lead the devil captive

To me He said: "Stay close to me,
I am your rock and castle.
Your ransom I Myself will be;
for you I strive and wrestle.
For I am yours, and you are mine,
and where I am you may remain
The foe shall not divide us."