This Christmas carol was originally penned by Martin Luther in 1531 in
German and was known as 'Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her' for his
five-year old son Hans. It was sung at his home on Christmas Eve as a
man dresses as an angel sang the opening verses. It was published four
yeas later. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1855.
German Valentin Schumann composed its music in 1539.
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 gladly sing.
To you this night is born a Child
Of Mary, chosen mother mild;
This little Child, of lowly birth,
Shall be the joy of all the earth.
Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto us His Son hath given!
While angels sing with pious mirth,
A glad New Year to all the earth.
Lyrics of the German Christmas
carol by Martin Luther 'Von Himmel hoch da komm ich her' was later
translated to the Christmas song 'From Heaven Above to Earth I
Come'.