Good Christian Friends Rejoice/In Dulci Jubilo


This German carol is, according to wikipedia, "thought to have been written by the German mystic Heinrich Seuse. According to folklore, Seuse heard angels sing these words and joined them in a dance of worship." It's originally a mix of Latin and German with the English version "Good Christian Friends Rejoice" popularizing it among Americans. I like the original lyrics more, so I squeezed in a few for my performance. Below I'll list both the original lyrics and translation along with the English version I'm singing.

Since this tune is so short, I often hear it mixed with a medley of other Christmas songs. My favorite is the one on Karl Jenkins "Stella Natalis" album which mixes it with "Joy to the World" and sets parts of it to African sounds and rhythms.



Original:
In dulci jubilo,
Nun singet und seid froh!
Unsers Herzens Wonne
Leit in praesepio;
Und leuchtet wie die Sonne
Matris in gremio.
Alpha es et O!

English Translation:
In sweet rejoicing,
now sing and be glad!
Our hearts' joy
lies in the manger;
And it shines like the sun
in the mother's lap.
You are the Alpha and Omega!

English Version:
Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
Jesus Christ was born to-day:
Ox and ass before Him bow,
And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today.

In dulci jubilo,
Let us our homage show!
Now Ye Hear of Endless Bliss
Jesus Christ was born for this
He has opened Heaven's door
We are blessed forever more.

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