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Bach's St. Matthew Passion
J.S. Bach’s St. Matthew Passion (Matthäus-Passion)
Passion in 2 Parts – BWV 244
Bach composed this work in Leipzig during 1727 for the Good Friday vesper services.
The Choir of King’s College Chapel Cambridge
The Choir of Jesus College Cambridge (Soprano in ripieno)
Soloists:
- Evangelist: Rogers Covey-Crump (Tenor)
- Jesus: Michael George (Bass)
- Emma Kirkby (Soprano)
- Michael Chance (Alto)
- Martyn Hill (Tenor)
- David Thomas (Bass)
The Brandenburg Consort – (Roy Goodman leader)
Stephen Cleobury conductorThe text is by Christian Friedrich Henrici (Picander).
This video recording is from 1994.
This brilliant performance, from 28 years ago, holds a place of distinction in performances of this piece. It’s interesting to note that Cleobury uses a relatively small boys choir instead of the large choruses which were popular in the 20th century. It makes for a more intimate sound and the vocal parts are clearly articulated.This recording featured two phenomenal soloists Dame Emma Kirkby and Michael Chance at the height of their artistry and skill! In this work by Bach he uses such a wide variety of instrumental and vocal forces and manages to integrate them beautifully while telling a very sorrowful and dramatic story of the passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. Bach used word painting extensively in this work. In order to intensify the meaning behind each movement, both literal and theological, Bach used a method called word painting. Also known as tone painting, this is a style in which the music attempts to reflect the meaning of the lyrics literally. Bach layered such rich musical textures and devices and styles into one coherent and magnificent work.It is a staggering achievement, and a testament to his true genius. In my view the St. Matthew Passion is the not only the greatest masterpiece in classical sacred music, but it’s truly the apotheosis of Western music!
Please enjoy the performance of this moving and complex work!
NOTE: The owner of the video doesn’t allow it to be played directly embedded in sites besides YouTube. But if you click on “Watch on YouTube” it will load the video on YouTube.
Lyrics
English Translation by Francis Browne (December 2008).
S = Soprano, A = Alto, T = Tenor, and B = Bass
Here is the complete text in German and English.
Biblical quotations in green font, chorales in purple
PART I
1
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Kommt, ihr Töchter, helft mir klagen,
Come, you daughters, help me to lament,
Sehet – Wen? – den Bräutigam,
See-Whom ? -the bridegroom,
Seht ihn – Wie? – als wie ein Lamm!
See him- How ? -like a lamb!
Sehet, – Was? – seht die Geduld,
See – What ? -see his patience,
Seht – Wohin? – auf unsre Schuld;
See – Where ? – our guilt;
Sehet ihn aus Lieb und Huld
See how from love and grace
Holz zum Kreuze selber tragen!
He bears the wood of the cross himself!O Lamm Gottes, unschuldig
O Lamb of God, innocent
Am Stamm des Kreuzes geschlachtet,
Slaughtered on the beam of the cross,
Allzeit erfunden geduldig,
Always found to be patient
Wiewohl du warest verachtet.
No matter how much you were despised.
All Sünd hast du getragen,
All our sins you have borne
Sonst müßten wir verzagen.
Otherwise we would have to despair.
Erbarm dich unser, o Jesu !
Have mercy on us, O Jesus2
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Da Jesus diese Rede vollendet hatte, sprach er zu seinen Jüngern:
When Jesus had finished this speech, he said to his disciples:Jesus:
Ihr wisset, dass nach zweien Tagen Ostern wird,
You know that after two days it will be Passover ,
und des Menschen Sohn wird überantwortet werden,
and the son of man will be handed over
dass er gekreuziget werde.
so that he may be crucified.3
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Herzliebster Jesu, was hast du verbrochen,
Jesus, most dear to my heart, what have you done wrong,
Dass man ein solch scharf Urteil hat gesprochen?
so that such a harsh judgement is pronounced?
Was ist die Schuld, in was für Missetaten
What is your guilt, in what sort of wrongdoing
Bist du geraten?
have you been caught?4a
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Da versammleten sich die Hohenpriester
Then the chief priests gathered together
und Schriftgelehrten und die Ältesten im Volk
and the scribes and the elders among the people
in dem Palast des Hohenpriesters, der da hieß Kaiphas,
in the Palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas
und hielten Rat, wie sie Jesum mit Listen griffen und töteten.
and they held a Council, how with cunning they might seize Jesus and put him to death.
Sie sprachen aber:
But they said:4b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Ja nicht auf das Fest, auf dass nicht ein Aufruhr werde im Volk.
Certainly not during the festival, so that there is not a riot among the people.4c
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Da nun Jesus war zu Bethanien, im Hause Simonis des Aussätzigen,
Now when Jesus was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,
trat zu ihm ein Weib, die hatte ein Glas mit köstlichem Wasser
there came to him a woman who had a jar with precious ointment
und goss es auf sein Haupt, da er zu Tische saß.
and she poured it on his head, while he sat at the table.
Da das seine Jünger sahen, wurden sie unwillig und sprachen:
When his disciples saw this, they became indignant and said:4d
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Wozu dienet dieser Unrat?
What is the purpose of such a waste?
Dieses Wasser hie mögen teuer verkauft
This ointment could have been sold at a high price
und den Armen gegeben werden.
and given to the poor.4e
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Da das Jesus merkete, sprach er zu ihnen:
When Jesus noticed that, he said to them:Jesus:
Was bekümmert ihr das Weib?
Why do you trouble the woman?
Sie hat ein gut Werk an mir getan.
She has done a good deed for me.
Ihr habet allezeit Arme bei euch,
You have the poor with you always,
mich aber habt ihr nicht allezeit.
but you will not always have me.
Dass sie dies Wasser hat auf meinen Leib gegossen,
The reason why she poured ointment on my body
hat sie getan, dass man mich begraben wird.
is that she did this because I’m going to be buried.
Wahrlich, ich sage euch
Truly, I say to you
Wo dies Evangelium geprediget wird in der ganzen Welt,
wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world,
da wird man auch sagen zu ihrem Gedächtnis, was sie getan hat.
people will also in her memory talk about what she has done.5
Recitative [Alto]
Flauto traverso I/II, Continuo
Du lieber Heiland du,
You, dear saviour, you
Wenn deine Jünger töricht streiten,
When your disciples foolishly quarrel
Dass dieses fromme Weib
Because this good woman
Mit Salben deinen Leib
With salve your body
Zum Grabe will bereiten,
Wants to prepare for the tomb,
So lasse mir inzwischen zu,
Then let me meanwhile
Von meiner Augen Tränenflüssen
With floods of tears from my eyes
Ein Wasser auf dein Haupt zu gießen!
Pour water on your head!6
Aria [Alto]
Flauto traverso I/II, Continuo
Buß und Reu
Penance and remorse
Knirscht das Sündenherz entzwei,
Grind my sinful heart in two,
Dass die Tropfen meiner Zähren
So the drops of my tears
Angenehme Spezerei,
Treuer Jesu, dir gebären.
May produce pleasing spices for you, faithful Jesus.7
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Judas (B)
Evangelist:
Da ging hin der Zwölfen einer, mit Namen Judas Ischarioth,
Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot,
zu den Hohenpriestern und sprach:
went to the chief priests and said:Judas:
Was wollt ihr mir geben? Ich will ihn euch verraten.
What are you willing to give me? I shall betray him to you.Evangelist:
Und sie boten ihm dreißig Silberlinge.
And they offered him 30 pieces of silver
Und von dem an suchte er Gelegenheit, dass er ihn verriete.
And from then on he sought an opportunity, so that he might betray him.8
Aria [Soprano]
Flauto traverso I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Blute nur, du liebes Herz!
Bleed now, loving heart!
Ach! ein Kind, das du erzogen,
Ah! A child, whom you reared,
Das an deiner Brust gesogen,
That sucked at your breast,
Droht den Pfleger zu ermorden,
Is threatening to murder its guardian
Denn es ist zur Schlange worden.
For that child has become a serpent.9a
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo Evangelist
Aber am ersten Tage der süßen Brot
On the first day of unleavened bread
traten die Jünger zu Jesu und sprachen zu ihm:
the disciples came to Jesus said to him:9b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Wo willst du, dass wir dir bereiten, das Osterlamm zu essen?
Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover lamb?9c
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Er sprach:
He said:Jesus:
Gehet hin in die Stadt zu einem und sprecht zu ihm:
Go into the city to a certain man and say to him:
Der Meister lasst dir sagen:
The master wants us to tell you:
Meine Zeit ist hier, ich will bei dir
My time has come, I shall with you
die Ostern halten mit meinen Jüngern.
keep the Passover with my disciples.Evangelist:
Und die Jünger täten, wie ihnen Jesus befohlen hatte,
And the disciples did what Jesus had ordered them,
und bereiteten das Osterlamm.
and they prepared the Passover lamb.
Und am Abend satzte er sich zu Tische mit den Zwölfen.
And in the evening he sat at table with the twelve,
Und da sie aßen, sprach er:
and as ate, he said:Jesus:
Wahrlich, ich sage euch: Einer unter euch wird mich verraten.
Truly I say to you: one among you will betray me.9d
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Und sie wurden sehr betrübt und huben an,
And they were very distressed and began
ein jeglicher unter ihnen, und sagten zu ihm:
each one among them to say to him:9e
Chorus
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Herr, bin ich’s?
Lord, is it I?10
Chorale
Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Ich bin’s, ich sollte büßen,
I am the one, I should pay for this,
An Händen und an Füßen
With hands and feet
Gebunden in der Höll.
Bound in hell.
Die Geißeln und die Banden
The scourges and the bonds
Und was du ausgestanden,
And what you endured –
Das hat verdienet meine Seel.
My soul has deserved that.11
Recitative [Tenor, Bass I, Bass II]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B.I), Judas (B.II)
Evangelist:
Er antwortete und sprach:
He answered and said:Jesus:
Der mit der Hand mit mir in die Schüssel tauchet,
The one who dips his hand with me in the dish
der wird mich verraten.
it is he who will betray me.
Des Menschen Sohn gehet zwar dahin,
The son of man indeed goes on his way,
wie von ihm geschrieben stehet;
as it is written of him;
doch wehe dem Menschen,
But woe to the man,
durch welchen des Menschen Sohn verraten wird!
Through whom the son of man will be betrayed!
Es wäre ihm besser, dass derselbige Mensch noch nie geboren wäre.
It would be better for that same man if he had never been born.Evangelist:
Da antwortete Judas, der ihn verriet, und sprach:
Then Judas, who betrayed him, answered and said:Judas:
Bin ich’s, Rabbi?
Is it I, Rabbi?Evangelist:
Er sprach zu ihm:
He said to him:Jesus:
Du sagest’s.
You are saying it.Evangelist:
Da sie aber aßen, nahm Jesus das Brot,
As they were eating, Jesus took the bread
dankete und brach’s und gab’s den Jüngern und sprach:
gave thanks and broke it and gave it to his disciples and said:Jesus:
Nehmet, esset, das ist mein Leib.
Take, eat, this is my body.Evangelist:
Und er nahm den Kelch und dankte, gab ihnen den und sprach:
And he took the cup and gave thanks, gave it to them and said:Jesus:
Trinket alle daraus; das ist mein Blut des neuen Testaments,
Drink all of you from this, this is my blood of the new Testament,
welches vergossen wird für viele zur Vergebung der Sünden.
which will be shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Ich sage euch: Ich werde von nun an ‘nicht mehr
I say to you: from now on I will no more
von diesem Gewächs des Weinstocks trinken
drink from this fruit of the vine
bis an den Tag, da ich’s neu trinken werde mit euch in meines Vaters Reich.
until that day, when I shall drink it nrw with you in my father’s kingdom.12
Recitative [Soprano]
Oboe d’amore I/II, Continuo
Wiewohl mein Herz in Tränen schwimmt,
Although my heart swims in tears,
Dass Jesus von mir Abschied nimmt,
Since Jesus takes his leave from me,
So macht mich doch sein Testament erfreut:
Yet his Testament makes me rejoice:
Sein Fleisch und Blut, o Kostbarkeit,
His own flesh and blood -what expense-
Vermacht er mir in meine Hände.
He bequeathes to me in my hands
Wie er es auf der Welt mit denen Seinen
Just as in the world towards those who are his own
Nicht böse können meinen,
He can intend no evil,
So liebt er sie bis an das Ende.
So he loves them to the end.13
Aria [Soprano]
Oboe d’amore I/II, Continuo
Ich will dir mein Herze schenken,
I shall give my heart to you,
Senke dich, mein Heil, hinein!
Come down, my salvation, and bury yourself within it!
Ich will mich in dir versenken;
I shall bury myself in you;
Ist dir gleich die Welt zu klein,
If the world is too small for you
Ei, so sollst du mir allein
ah, then you alone to me shall
Mehr als Welt und Himmel sein.
Be more than the world and heaven.14
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Und da sie den Lobgesang gesprochen hatten,
And when they had said the song of praise,
gingen sie hinaus an den Ölberg.
they went from there to the Mount of Olives.
Da sprach Jesus zu ihnen:
Then Jesus said to them:Jesus:
In dieser Nacht werdet ihr euch alle ärgern an mir.
This night you will all be offended because of me.
Denn es stehet geschrieben:
For it is written:
Ich werde den Hirten schlagen,
I shall strike the shepherd
und die Schafe der Herde werden sich zerstreuen.
and the sheep of the flock will be scattered
Wenn ich aber auferstehe,
But when I rise again,
will ich vor euch hingehen in Galiläam.
I shall go from here before you into Galilee.15
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Erkenne mich, mein Hüter,
Recognise me, my guardian,
Mein Hirte, nimm mich an!
My Shepherd, accept me!
Von dir, Quell aller Güter,
From you, source of all goodness
Ist mir viel Guts getan.
Much good has been done for me.
Dein Mund hat mich gelabet
Your mouth has refreshed me
Mit Milch und süßer Kost,
With milk and sweet food,
Dein Geist hat mich begabet
Your spirit has endowed me
Mit mancher Himmelslust.
With many heavenly delights.16
Recitative [Tenor. Bass I. Bass II]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Peter (B.I), Jesus (B.II)
Evangelist:
Petrus aber antwortete und sprach zu ihm:
But Peter answered and said to him:Peter:
Wenn sie auch alle sich an dir ärgerten,
Even if everybody else is offended because of you,`
so will ich doch mich nimmermehr ärgern.
yet I shall never be offended.Evangelist:
Jesus sprach zu ihm:
Jesus said to him:Jesus:
Wahrlich, ich sage dir: In dieser Nacht,
Truly, I say to you: this night,
ehe der Hahn krähet, wirst du mich dreimal verleugnen.
before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.Evangelist:
Petrus sprach zu ihm:
Peter said to him:Peter:
Und wenn ich mit dir sterben müßte,
Even if I had to die with you,
so will ich dich nicht verleugnen.
I shall not deny you.Evangelist:
Desgleichen sagten auch alle Jünger.
The same said all his disciples.17
Chorale
Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Ich will hier bei dir stehen;
I shall stand here beside you;
Verachte mich doch nicht!
But do not despise me!
Von dir will ich nicht gehen,
I shall not go from you,
Wenn dir dein Herze bricht.
When your heart breaks.
Wenn dein Herz wird erblassen
When your heart becomes pale
Im letzten Todesstoß,
In the last death blow
Alsdenn will ich dich fassen
Then I shall embrace you
In meinen Arm und Schoß.
In my arms and bosom.18
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Da kam Jesus mit ihnen zu einem Hofe, der hieß Gethsemane,
Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane,
und sprach zu seinen Jüngern:
and said to his disciples:Jesus:
Setzet euch hie, bis dass ich dort hingehe und bete.
Sit here, while I go over there and pray.Evangelist:
Und nahm zu sich Petrum und die zween Söhne Zebedäi
And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee
und fing an zu trauern und zu zagen.
and he began to grieve and be disheartened.
Da sprach Jesus zu ihnen:
Then Jesus said to them:Jesus:
Meine Seele ist betrübt bis an den Tod,
My soul is distressed even to death,
bleibet hie und wachet mit mir.
stay here and keep watch with me.19
Recitative [Tenor] and Chorus
Flauto dolce I/II, Oboe da caccia I/II, Continuo
O Schmerz!
O sorrow!
Hier zittert das gequälte Herz;
Here trembles his afflicted heart;
Wie sinkt es hin, wie bleicht sein Angesicht!
How it sinks down, how pale his face!
Was ist die Ursach aller solcher Plagen?
What is the cause of such torments?
Der Richter führt ihn vor Gericht.
The judge leads him to judgement.
Da ist kein Trost, kein Helfer nicht.
There is no comfort, no help at all.
Ach! meine Sünden haben dich geschlagen;
Ah! my sins have struck you;
Er leidet alle Höllenqualen,
He suffers all the torments of hell,
Er soll vor fremden Raub bezahlen.
He must pay for the robbery of others.
Ich, ach Herr Jesu, habe dies verschuldet
I,ah Lord Jesus, have deserved this
Was du erduldet.
What you are suffering.
Ach, könnte meine Liebe dir,
Ah, if only for you my love could,
Mein Heil, dein Zittern und dein Zagen
My salvation,lessen your trembling and your discouragement
Vermindern oder helfen tragen,
Or help you to bear them,
Wie gerne blieb ich hier!
How willingly I would remain here!20
Aria [Tenor] and Chorus
Oboe solo, Flauto traverso I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Ich will bei meinem Jesu wachen,
I shall keep watch by my Jesus,
So schlafen unsre Sünden ein.
Then our sins go to sleep.
Meinen Tod
For my death
Büßet seine Seelennot;
Atonement is made by his soul’s distress;
Sein Trauren machet mich voll Freuden.
His grieving makes me full of joy.
Drum muss uns sein verdienstlich Leiden.
For this reason to us his suffering which benefits us
Recht bitter und doch süße sein.
Must be truly bitter and yet sweet.21
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Und ging hin ein wenig, fiel nieder auf sein Angesicht und betete und sprach:
And he went forward a little, fell down on his face and prayed and said:Jesus:
Mein Vater, ist’s möglich, so gehe dieser Kelch von mir;
My father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me;
doch nicht wie ich will, sondern wie du willt.
yet not as I will, but rather as you will.22
Recitative [Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Der Heiland fällt vor seinem Vater nieder;
The saviour falls down before his father;
Dadurch erhebt er mich und alle
Thereby he lifts me and everyone
Von unserm Falle
From our fall
Hinauf zu Gottes Gnade wieder.
Up to God’s grace again.
Er ist bereit,
He is ready
Den Kelch, des Todes Bitterkeit
Zu trinken,
To drink the cup, the bitterness of death,
In welchen Sünden dieser Welt
The cup in which the sins of this world
Gegossen sind und hässlich stinken,
are poured and stink hatefully,
Weil es dem lieben Gott gefällt.
Because it pleases dear God.23
Aria [Bass]
Violino I/II, Continuo
Gerne will ich mich bequemen,
Willingly I shall bring myself
Kreuz und Becher anzunehmen,
To accept the cross and cup,
Trink ich doch dem Heiland nach.
I drink as my saviour did
Denn sein Mund,
For his mouth,
Der mit Milch und Honig fließet,
Which flows with milk and honey
Hat den Grund
Has made the cause
Und des Leidens herbe Schmach
And bitter taste of suffering
Durch den ersten Trunk versüßet.
Become sweet through first drinking himself.24
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Und er kam zu seinen Jüngern und fand sie schlafend und sprach zu ihnen:
And he came to his disciples and found them sleeping and said to them:Jesus:
Könnet ihr denn nicht eine Stunde mit mir wachen?
Could you not keep watch an hour with me?
Wachet und betet, dass ihr nicht in Anfechtung fallet!
Keep watch and pray, so that you do not fall into temptation!
Der Geist ist willig, aber das Fleisch ist schwach.
The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.Evangelist:
Zum andernmal ging er hin, betete und sprach:
A second time he went away, prayed and said:Jesus:
Mein Vater, ist’s nicht möglich, dass dieser Kelch von mir gehe,
My father, if it is not possible that this cup should pass from me,
ich trinke ihn denn, so geschehe dein Wille.
unless I drink it, then your will be done.25
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Was mein Gott will, das g’scheh allzeit,
May what my God wills happen always
Sein Will, der ist der beste,
His will is what is best,
Zu helfen den’n er ist bereit,
For he is ready to help those
Die an ihn gläuben feste.
Who believe firmly in him.
Er hilft aus Not, der fromme Gott,
He helps them in their distress, the righteous God,
Und züchtiget mit Maßen.
And chastises in measure.
Wer Gott vertraut, fest auf ihn baut,
The person who trusts God, builds firmly on him
Den will er nicht verlassen.
He will not abandon.26
Recitative [Tenor, Bass I, Bass II]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B.I), Judas (B.II)
Evangelist:
Und er kam und fand sie aber schlafend,
And he came and found them sleeping
und ihre Augen waren voll Schlafs.
And their eyes were full of sleep.
Und er ließ sie und ging abermal hin
And he left them and went away again
und betete zum drittenmal und redete dieselbigen Worte.
And prayed for a third time and said the same words.
Da kam er zu seinen Jüngern und sprach zu ihnen:
Then he came to his disciples and said to them:Jesus:
Ach! wollt ihr nun schlafen und ruhen?
Ah! Do you want now to sleep and rest?
Siehe, die Stunde ist hie,
See,the hour is here,
dass des Menschen Sohn in der Sünder Hände überantwortet wird.
When the son of man will be given over into the hands of sinners.
Stehet auf, lasset uns gehen;
Arise, let us go;
siehe, er ist da, der mich verrät.
See, here he is, the man who betrays me.Evangelist:
Und als er noch redete, siehe, da kam Judas,
And as he was still speaking, see, there came Judas,
der Zwölfen einer, und mit ihm eine große Schar
one of the Twelve and with whom a great crowd
mit Schwerten und mit Stangen
with swords and with clubs
von den Hohenpriestern und Altesten des Volks.
from the chief priests and elders of the people.
Und der Verräter hatte ihnen ein Zeichen gegeben und gesagt:
And the traitor gave them a sign and said:
»Welchen ich küssen werde, der ist’s, den greifet!«
The man I shall kiss, that’s him, seize him!
Und alsbald trat er zu Jesu und sprach:
And at once he went up to Jesus and said:Judas:
Gegrüßet seist du, Rabbi!
Greetings to you, Rabbi!Evangelist:
Und küssete ihn. Jesus aber sprach zu ihm:
And he kissed him. Jesus said to him:Jesus:
Mein Freund, warum bist du kommen?
My friend, why have you come?Evangelist:
Da traten sie hinzu und legten die Hände an Jesum und griffen ihn.
Then they came to him and laid hands on Jesus and seized him.27a
Aria (Duet) [Soprano, Alto] and Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
So ist mein Jesus nun gefangen.
So my Jesus is now captured.
Laßt ihn, haltet, bindet nicht!
Let him go, stop, do not bind him!
Mond und Licht
Moon and light
Ist vor Schmerzen untergangen,
have set in sorrow,
Weil mein Jesus ist gefangen.
Since my Jesus is captured.
Laßt ihn, haltet, bindet nicht!
Let him go, stop, do not bind him!
Sie führen ihn, er ist gebunden.
They lead him away, he is bound.27b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Sind Blitze, sind Donner in Wolken verschwunden?
Have lightnings, has thunder vanished in the clouds?
Eröffne den feurigen Abgrund, o Hölle,
Open your fiery abyss, O Hell,
Zertrümmre, verderbe, verschlinge, zerschelle
Smash, destroy, swallow up, dashed to pieces
Mit plötzlicher Wut
With sudden fury
Den falschen Verräter, das mördrische Blut!
The false betrayer, the murderous blood!28
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Und siehe, einer aus denen, die mit Jesu waren,
And see, one of those who were with Jesus,
reckete die Hand aus und schlug des Hohenpriesters Knecht
stretched out his hand and struck a servant of the high priest
und hieb ihm ein Ohr ab.
and cut off one of his ears.
Da sprach Jesus zu ihm:
Then Jesus said to him:Jesus:
Stecke dein Schwert an seinen Ort;
Put up your sword in its place;
denn wer das Schwert nimmt,
for whoever takes up the sword
der soll durchs Schwert umkommen.
will perish by the sword.
Oder meinest du, dass ich nicht könnte meinen Vater bitten,
Or do you think that I could not ask my father
dass er mir zuschickte mehr denn zwölf Legion Engel?
to send me more than 12 legions of Angels?
Wie würde aber die Schrift erfüllet? Es muss also gehen.
But how would the Scripture be fulfilled? It must go in this way.Evangelist:
Zu der Stund sprach Jesus zu den Scharen:
At that hour Jesus said to the crowds:Jesus:
Ihr seid ausgegangen als zu einem Mörder,
You have come out as if I were a murderer
mit Schwerten und mit Stangen, mich zu fahen;
with swords and clubs to seize me;
bin ich dtäglich bei euch gesessen
Yet I sat daily among you
und habe gelehret im Tempel,
and have taught in the temple
und ihr habt mich nicht gegriffen.
and you did not seize me.
Aber das ist alles geschehen,
But all this has happened
dass erfüllet würden die Schriften der Propheten.
so the writings of the prophets may be fulfilled.Evangelist:
Da verließen ihn alle Jünger und flohen.
Then all his disciples abandoned him and fled.29
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe d’amore I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
O Mensch, bewein dein Sünde groß,
Oh man, bewail your great sin,
Darum Christus seins Vaters Schoß
For this Christ from his father’s bosom
Äußert und kam auf Erden;
Went forth and came to earth
Von einer Jungfrau rein und zart
Of a virgin pure and gentle
Für uns er hie geboren ward,
He was born here for us,
Er wollt der Mittler werden,
He was willing to become the mediator
Den Toten er das Leben gab
To the dead he gave life
Und legt darbei all Krankheit ab,
And in this way put aside all illness
Bis sich die Zeit herdrange,
Until it came to the time
Dass er für uns geopfert würd,
That he would be sacrificed for us,
Trüg unsrer Sünden schwere Bürd
bear the heavy burden of our sins
Wohl an dem Kreuze lange.
For a long time indeed on the cross.PART II
30
Aria [Alto] and Chorus
Flauto traverso I, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Alto:
Ach! nun ist mein Jesus hin!
Ah!Now has my Jesus gone!Chorus:
Wo ist denn dein Freund hingegangen,
Where then is your friend gone,
O du Schönste unter den Weibern?
O you most beautiful among women?Alto:
Ist es möglich, kann ich schauen?
Is it possible, can I behold it?Chorus:
Wo hat sich dein Freund hingewandt?
Where is your friend turned to?Alto:
Ach! mein Lamm in Tigerklauen,
Ah! my lamb in tiger’s claws,
Ach! wo ist mein Jesus hin?
Ah! where has my Jesus gone?Chorus:
So wollen wir mit dir ihn suchen.
Then we shall seek him with you.Alto:
Ach! was soll ich der Seele sagen,
Ah! what shall I say to my soul,
Wenn sie mich wird ängstlich fragen?
When it shall ask me anxiously?
Ach! wo ist mein Jesus hin?
Ah! where has my Jesus gone?31
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo Evangelist
Evangelist:
Die aber Jesum gegriffen hatten,
But those who had seized Jesus
führeten ihn zu dem Hohenpriester Kaiphas,
led him to the high priest Caiaphas
dahin die Schriftgelehrten und Ältesten sich versammlet hatten.
where the scribes and elders had gathered together.
Petrus aber folgete ihm nach von ferne
But Peter followed him at a distance
bis in den Palast des Hohenpriesters
up to the palace of the high priest
und ging hinein und satzte sich bei die Knechte,
and went inside and sat with the servants,
auf dass er sähe, wo es hinaus wollte.
so that he might see how things would turn out.
Die Hohenpriester aber und Ältesten und der ganze Rat
The chief priests and the elders and the whole council
suchten falsche Zeugnis wider Jesum,
sought false witness against Jesus
auf dass sie ihn töteten, und funden keines.
to put him to death, and they found none.32
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Mir hat die Welt trüglich gericht’
I have been judged deceitfully by the world
Mit Lügen und mit falschem G’dicht,
With lies and with false statements,
Viel Netz und heimlich Stricke.
With nets and secret snares.
Herr, nimm mein wahr in dieser G’fahr,
Lord, guard me in this danger,
B’hüt mich für falschen Tücken!
Protect me from false deceit!33
Recitative [Tenor I, Alto, Tenor II, Bass]
Continuo Evangelist (T.I), Witnesses (A T.II), High Priest (B)
Evangelist:
Und wiewohl viel falsche Zeugen herzutraten,
And although many false witnesses came forward,
funden sie doch keins. Zuletzt traten herzu zween falsche Zeugen und sprachen:
they still found nothing.Finally two false witnesses came forward and said:Witnesses:
Er hat gesagt: Ich kann den Tempel Gottes abbrechen und in dreien Tagen denselben bauen.
He has said: I can break down God’s temple and in three days build it again.Evangelist:
Und der Hohepriester stund auf und sprach zu ihm:
And the high priest stood up and said to him:High Priest:
Antwortest du nichts zu dem, das diese wider dich zeugen?
Do you answer nothing to what these men testify against you?Evangelist:
Aber Jesus schwieg stille.
But Jesus remained silent.34
Recitative [Tenor]
Oboe I/II, Viola da gamba, Continuo
Mein Jesus schweigt
My Jesus is silent
Zu falschen Lügen stille,
At false lies
Um uns damit zu zeigen,
To show us in this way
Dass sein Erbarmens voller Wille
That his merciful will
Vor uns zum Leiden sei geneigt,
Is inclined to suffering for our sake
Und dass wir in dergleichen Pein
And that we in such pain
Ihm sollen ähnlich sein
Should be like him
Und in Verfolgung stille schweigen.
And in persecution remain silent.35
Aria [Tenor]
Viola da gamba, Continuo, Organo
Geduld!
Patience!
Wenn mich falsche Zungen stechen.
Even if false tongues stab me.
Leid ich wider meine Schuld
If I should suffer contrary to my guilt
Schimpf und Spott,
Abuse and mockery
Ei, so mag der liebe Gott
oh then may dear God
Meines Herzens Unschuld rächen.
avenge the innocence of my heart.36a
Recitative [Tenor, Bass I, Bass II]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), High Priest (B.I), Jesus (B.II)
Evangelist:
Und der Hohepriester antwortete und sprach zu ihm:
And the high priest answered and said to him:High Priest:
Ich beschwöre dich bei dem lebendigen Gott,
I adjure you by the living God,
dass du uns sagest, ob du seiest Christus, der Sohn Gottes?
to tell us whether you are Christ, the son of God?Evangelist:
Jesus sprach zu ihm:
Jesus said to him:Jesus:
Du sagest’s. Doch sage ich euch:
You have said it. But I say to you:
Von nun an wird’s geschehen,
From now on it will happen
dass ihr sehen werdet des Menschen Sohn
that you will see the son of man
sitzen zur Rechten der Kraft
sitting on the right hand of the power
und kommen in den Wolken des Himmels.
and coming on at the clouds of heaven.Evangelist:
Da zerriss der Hohepriester seine Kleider und sprach:
Then the high priest tore his garments and said:High Priest:
Er hat Gott gelästert; was dürfen wir weiter Zeugnis?
He has blasphemed God. What need have we for further witness ?
Siehe, itzt habt ihr seine Gotteslästerung gehöret.
See, you have heard his blasphemy against God.
Was dünket euch?
What do you think?Evangelist:
Sie antworteten und sprachen:
They answered and said:36b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Er ist des Todes schuldig!
He is guilty of death!36c
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Da speieten sie aus in sein Angesicht
Then they spat in his face
und schlugen ihn mit Fäusten.
and struck him with their fists.
Etliche aber schlugen ihn ins Angesicht und sprachen:
But some struck him in the face and said:36d
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Weissage uns, Christe, wer ist’s, der dich schlug?
Prophesy to us, Christ, who is it who has struck you?37
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Wer hat dich so geschlagen,
Who has struck you in this way,
Mein Heil, und dich mit Plagen
My saviour, and with torments
So übel zugericht’?
Treated you so badly?
Du bist ja nicht ein Sünder
You are certainly not a sinner
Wie wir und unsre Kinder;
Like us and our children;
Von Missetaten weißt du nicht.
Of wrongdoing you know nothing.38a
Recitative [Tenor, Soprano, Bass]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Maid (S), Peter (B)
Evangelist:
Petrus aber saß draußen im Palast; und es trat zu ihm eine Magd und sprach:
But Peter sat outside in the Palace; and a maid came up to him and said:Maid:
Und du warest auch mit dem Jesu aus Galiläa.
And you also were with Jesus from Galilee.Evangelist:
Er leugnete aber vor ihnen allen und sprach:
But he denied it before them all and said:Peter:
Ich weiß nicht, was du sagest.
I don’t know what you’re saying.Evangelist:
Als er aber zur Tür hinausging, sahe ihn eandere und sprach zu denen, die da waren:
But when he went to the door, another maid saw him and said to those who were there:Maid:
Dieser war auch mit dem Jesu von Nazareth.
This man was also with Jesus of Nazareth.Evangelist:
Und er leugnete abermal und schwur dazu:
But he denied it again and swore an oath to it:Peter:
Ich kenne des Menschen nicht.
I do not know the man.Evangelist:
Und über eine kleine Weile traten hinzu, die da stunden, und sprachen zu Petro:
And after a short while those who are standing there came up to him and said to Peter:38b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I, Oboe d’amore II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Wahrlich, du bist auch einer von denen; denn deine Sprache verrät dich.
You really are one of them; your speech gives you away.38c
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Continuo, Organo Evangelist (T), Peter (B)
Evangelist:
Da hub er an, sich zu verfluchen und zu schwören:
Then he began to curse and swear an oath:Peter:
Ich kenne des Menschen nicht.
I do not know the man.Evangelist:
Und alsbald krähete der Hahn.
And at once the cock crew.
Da dachte Petrus an die Worte Jesu, da er zu ihm sagte:
Then Peter thought of Jesus’s words, when he said to him:
Ehe der Hahn krähen wird, wirst du mich dreimal verleugnen.
Before the cock crows, you will deny me three times.
Und ging heraus und weinete bitterlich.
And he went out and wept bitterly.39
Aria [Alto]
Violino solo, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Erbarme dich,
Have mercy,
Mein Gott, um meiner Zähren willen!
My God, for the sake of my tears!
Schaue hier,
Look here,
Herz und Auge weint vor dir
My heart and eyes weep before you
Bitterlich.
Bitterly.40
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Bin ich gleich von dir gewichen,
Although I have strayed from you,
Stell ich mich doch wieder ein;
Yet I turn back once again;
Hat uns doch dein Sohn verglichen
Your son has settled the account for us
Durch sein’ Angst und Todespein.
Through his anguish and death agony.
Ich verleugne nicht die Schuld;
I do not deny my guilt;
Aber deine Gnad und Huld
But your grace and favour
Ist viel größer als die Sünde,
is much greater than the sins
Die ich stets in mir befinde.
I find constantly in myself.41a
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Judas (B)
Evangelist:
Des Morgens aber hielten alle Hohepriester
In the morning all the chief priests
und die Ältesten des Volks einen Rat über Jesum,
And the elders of the people held a council about Jesus,
dass sie ihn töteten.
so that they might put him to death.
Und bunden ihn, führeten ihn hin
And they bound him, let him out
und überantworteten ihn dem Landpfleger Pontio Pilato.
And handed him over to the governor Pontius Pilate
Da das sahe Judas, der ihn verraten hatte,
When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw this,
dass er verdammt war zum Tode,
that he was condemned to death,
gereuete es ihn und brachte herwieder
he felt remorse and brought back
die dreißig Silberlinge den Hohenpriestern und Ältesten und sprach:
the 30 pieces of silver to the chief priests and the elders and said:Judas:
Ich habe übel getan, dass ich unschuldig Blut verraten habe.
I have done evil, in that I have betrayed innocent blood.Evangelist:
Sie sprachen:
They said:41b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Was gehet uns das an? Da siehe du zu!
What’s that to do with us? See to it yourself!41c
Recitative [Tenor, Bass I, Bass II]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Hohepriester (B.I B.II)
Evangelist:
Und er warf die Silberlinge in den Tempel,
And he threw the silver pieces into the temple
hub sich davon, ging hin und erhängete sich selbst.
Departed, went away and hanged himself.
Aber die Hohenpriester nahmen die Silberlinge und sprachen:
But the chief priests took the silver pieces and said:Hohepriester:
Es taugt nicht, dass wir sie in den Gotteskasten legen, denn es ist Blutgeld.
It is not proper to put the money in the holy Treasury, since it is blood money.42
Aria [Bass]
Violino solo, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Gebt mir meinen Jesum wieder!
Give me back my Jesus!
Seht, das Geld, den Mörderlohn,
See, the money, the wages of murder,
Wirft euch der verlorne Sohn
Is thrown by the lost son
Zu den Füßen nieder!
Down at your feet!43
Recitative [Tenor, Bass I, Bass II]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo Evangelist (T), Pontius Pilate (B.I), Jesus (B.II)
Evangelist:
Sie hielten aber einen Rat
But they held a Council
und kauften einen Töpfersacker
And bought a potter’s Field
darum zum Begräbnis der Pilger.
for the burial of pilgrims.
Daher ist derselbige Acker
For this reason the same field
genennet der Blutacker bis auf den heutigen Tag.
is called the field of blood until this day.
Da ist erfüllet, das gesagt ist
In this way is fulfilled what was said
durch den Propheten Jeremias, da er spricht:
by the prophet Jeremiah when he says:
»Sie haben genommen dreißig Silberlinge,
“They have taken 30 pieces of silver,
damit bezahlet ward der Verkaufte,
with which the one who was sold was paid for,
welchen sie kauften von den Kindern Israel,
the man whom they bought from the children of Israel,
und haben sie gegeben um einen Töpfersacker,
and they have given the money for a potter’s field,
als mir der Herr befohlen hat.«
as the Lord has ordered me.”
Jesus aber stund vor dem Landpfleger;
But Jesus stood before the governor;
und der Landpfleger fragte ihn und sprach:
and the governor questioned him and said:Pilate:
Bist du der Jüden König?
Are you the king of the Jews?Evangelist:
Jesus aber sprach zu ihm:
But Jesus said to him:Jesus:
Du sagest’s.
You are saying this.Evangelist:
Und da er verklagt war von den Hohenpriestern und Ältesten,
And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders,
antwortete er nichts. Da sprach Pilatus zu ihm:
He answered nothing. Then Pilate said to him:Pilate:
Hörest du nicht, wie hart sie dich verklagen?
Do you not hear what harsh accusations they make against you?Evangelist:
Und er antwortete ihm nicht auf ein Wort,
And he answered him not one word
also, dass sich auch der Landpfleger sehr verwunderte.
So the governor also was greatly amazed at him.44
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Befiehl du deine Wege
Commend your way
Und was dein Herze kränkt
And what troubles your heart
Der allertreusten Pflege
To the most trustworthy care
Des, der den Himmel lenkt.
Of him who guides the heavens.
Der Wolken, Luft und Winden
He who to the clouds, air and winds
Gibt Wege, Lauf und Bahn,
Gives their way, course and track,
Der wird auch Wege finden,
Will also find a way
Da dein Fuß gehen kann.
By which your feet can go.45a
Recitative [Tenor, Bass, Soprano] and Chorus [S, A, T, B]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Pilatue (B), Pilatie’s Wife(S), People
Evangelist:
Auf das Fest aber hatte der Landpfleger Gewohnheit,
At the festival the governor had a custom
dem Volk einen Gefangenen loszugeben, welchen sie wollten.
of releasing to the people a prisoner, whomever they wished.
Er hatte aber zu der Zeit einen Gefangenen,
At that time he, had a prisoner,
einen sonderlichen vor andern, der hieß Barrabas.
one who stood out among the rest and was called Barabbas.
Und da sie versammlet waren, sprach Pilatus zu ihnen:
And when they were gathered together, Pilate said to them:Pilate:
Welchen wollet ihr, dass ich euch losgebe?
Which one do you want me to release for you?
Barrabam oder Jesum, von dem gesaget wird, er sei Christus?
Barabbas or Jesus, of whom it is said, he is Christ?Evangelist:
Denn er wusste wohl, dass sie ihn aus Neid überantwortet hatten.
For he knew well that they had handed him over through envy.
Und da er auf dem Richtstuhl saß, schickete sein Weib zu ihm und ließ ihm sagen:
And as he was sitting of the judgement seat, his wife sent word to him and said:Pilate’s Wife:
Habe du nichts zu schaffen mit diesem Gerechten;
Have nothing to do with this just man;
ich habe heute viel erlitten im Traum von seinetwegen!
I have today suffered much in a dream for his sake!Evangelist:
Aber die Hohenpriester und die Ältesten überredeten das Volk,
But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the people
dass sie um Barrabam bitten sollten und Jesum umbrächten.
That they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus.
Da antwortete nun der Landpfleger und sprach zu ihnen:
Then the governor answered and said to them:Pilate:
Welchen wollt ihr unter diesen zweien, den ich euch soll losgeben?
Which of these two do you want me to release to you?Evangelist:
Sie sprachen:
They said:Chorus:
Barrabam!
Barabbas!Evangelist:
Pilatus sprach zu ihnen:
Pilate said to them:Pilate:
Was soll ich denn machen mit Jesu, von dem gesagt wird, er sei Christus?
What shall I then do with Jesus of whom it is said he is Christ?Evangelist:
Sie sprachen alle:
They all said:45b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Laß ihn kreuzigen!
Let him be crucified!46
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Alto col Tenore, Continuo
Wie wunderbarlich ist doch diese Strafe!
How amazing is this punishment!
Der gute Hirte leidet für die Schafe,
The good Shepherd suffers for his sheep,
Die Schuld bezahlt der Herre, der Gerechte,
The Lord, the one who is just, pays the penalty
Für seine Knechte.
For his servants.
47
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Pilate (B)
Evangelist:
Der Landpfleger sagte:
The governor said:Pilate:
Was hat er denn Übels getan?
What evil has he done?48
Recitative [Soprano]
Oboe da caccia I/II, Continuo
Er hat uns allen wohlgetan,
He has done good to all of us come
Den Blinden gab er das Gesicht,
To the blind he gave sight
Die Lahmen macht er gehend,
The lame he made able to walk
Er sagt uns seines Vaters Wort,
He told to us his father’s word
Er trieb die Teufel fort,
He drove out the devils,
Betrübte hat er aufgericht’,
He raised up those who are distressed,
Er nahm die Sünder auf und an.
He received and accepted sinners
Sonst hat mein Jesus nichts getan.
Nothing else has my Jesus done.49
Aria [Soprano]
Flauto traverso solo, Oboe da caccia I/II
Aus Liebe,
Out of love,
Aus Liebe will mein Heiland sterben,
Out of love my saviour is willing to die,
Von einer Sünde weiß er nichts.
– Of any sin he knows nothing –
Dass das ewige Verderben
So that eternal ruin
Und die Strafe des Gerichts
And the punishment of judgement
Nicht auf meiner Seele bliebe.
May not remain upon my soul.50a
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Sie schrieen aber noch mehr und sprachen:
But they cried all the more and said:50b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Laß ihn kreuzigen!
Let him be crucified!50c
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Pilate (B)
Evangelist:
Da aber Pilatus sahe, dass er nichts schaffete,
But when Pilate saw that he was achieving nothing,
sondern dass ein viel großer Getümmel ward,
But instead the commotion was becoming greater,
nahm er Wasser und wusch die Hände vor dem Volk und sprach:
He took water has washed his hands in front of the people and said:Pilate:
Ich bin unschuldig an dem Blut dieses Gerechten, sehet ihr zu.
I am innocent of the blood of this just man.See to it yourselves.Evangelist:
Da antwortete das ganze Volk und sprach:
Then the whole people answered and said:50d
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Sein Blut komme über uns und unsre Kinder.
His blood be upon us and our children.50e
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Da gab er ihnen Barrabam los;
Then he released Barabbas for them;
aber Jesum ließ er geißeln und überantwortete ihn,
But Jesus he had scourged and handed him over
dass er gekreuziget würde.
to be crucified.51
Recitative [Alto]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Erbarm es Gott!
Have mercy, God!
Hier steht der Heiland angebunden.
Here stands the saviour,bound,
O Geißelung, o Schläg, o Wunden!
O scourging,o blows, o wounds!
Ihr Henker, haltet ein!
You executioners, stop!
Erweichet euch
Are you not softened by
Der Seelen Schmerz,
The soul’s agony,
Der Anblick solches Jammers nicht?
The sight of such misery?
Ach ja! ihr habt ein Herz,
Ah yes! You have a heart
Das muss der Martersäule gleich
That must be like the post used for torture
Und noch viel härter sein.
And even far harder still.
Erbarmt euch, haltet ein!
Have mercy, stop!52
Aria [Alto]
Violino I/II, Continuo
Können Tränen meiner Wangen
If the tears on my cheeks can
Nichts erlangen,
Achieve nothing,
O, so nehmt mein Herz hinein!
O then take my heart!
Aber lasst es bei den Fluten,
But let it for the streams,
Wenn die Wunden milde bluten,
As the wounds gently bleed
Auch die Opferschale sein!
Also be the sacrificial cup!53a
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Da nahmen die Kriegsknechte des Landpflegers
Then the soldiers of the governor
Jesum zu sich in das Richthaus
took Jesus into the hall
und sammleten über ihn die ganze Schar
and gathered the whole band around him
und zogen ihn aus
and they stripped him
und legeten ihm einen Purpurmantel an
and put on him a purple cloak
und flochten eine dornene Krone
and plaited a crown of thorns
und satzten sie auf sein Haupt
and set it on his head
und ein Rohr in seine rechte Hand
and a reed in his right hand
und beugeten die Knie vor ihm
and bowed their knees before him
und spotteten ihn und sprachen:
and mocked him and said:53b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Gegrüßet seist du, Jüdenkönig!
Hail to you, King of the Jews!53c
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo Evangelist
Evangelist:
Und speieten ihn an und nahmen das Rohr und schlugen damit sein Haupt.
And they spat on him and took the reed and with it struck him on the head.54
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
O Haupt voll Blut und Wunden,
O head full of blood and wounds,
Voll Schmerz und voller Hohn,
Full of sorrow and full of scorn,
O Haupt, zu Spott gebunden
O head bound in mockery
Mit einer Dornenkron,
With a crown of thorns,
O Haupt, sonst schön gezieret
O head once beautifully adorned
Mit höchster Ehr und Zier,
With greatest honour and adornment,
Jetzt aber hoch schimpfieret,
But now most shamefully mistreated,
Gegrüßet seist du mir!
Let me greet you!Du edles Angesichte,
You noble face
Dafür sonst schrickt und scheut
Before which at other times shrinks and shies away
Das große Weltgewichte,
The great weight of the world,
Wie bist du so bespeit;
How are you spat upon,
Wie bist du so erbleichet!
How pale you are!
Wer hat dein Augenlicht,
By whom has the light of your eyes
Dem sonst kein Licht nicht gleichet,
To which at other times no light can be compared,
So schändlich zugericht’?
Been so shamefully treated?55
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Und da sie ihn verspottet hatten,
And when they had mocked him,
zogen sie ihm den Mantel aus
they took off the cloak
und zogen ihm seine Kleider an
and put his own clothes on him
und führeten ihn hin, dass sie ihn kreuzigten.
and led him out to be crucified.
Und indem sie hinausgingen,
And as they went along
funden sie einen Menschen von Kyrene mit Namen Simon;
they found a man from Cyrene who was called Simon,
den zwungen sie, dass er ihm sein Kreuz trug.
whom they compelled to carry his cross.56
Recitative [Bass]
Flauto traverso I/II, Viola da gamba, Continuo
Ja freilich will in uns das Fleisch und Blut
Certainly indeed in us our flesh and blood
Zum Kreuz gezwungen sein;
Has to be compelled to the cross;
Je mehr es unsrer Seele gut,
The better it is for our soul.
Je herber geht es ein.
The more bitter it is for us.57
Aria [Bass]
Viola da gamba, Continuo
Komm, süßes Kreuz, so will ich sagen,
Come sweet cross -this is what I will say -,
Mein Jesu, gib es immer her!
My Jesus , give it always to me
Wird mir mein Leiden einst zu schwer,
If my suffering at any time becomes too heavy,
So hilfst du mir es selber tragen.
Then you yourself helped me to bear it.58a
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Und da sie an die Stätte kamen mit Namen Golgatha,
And when they came to a place named Golgotha,
das ist verdeutschet Schädelstätt,
which translated is “Place of Skulls”,
gaben sie ihm Essig zu trinken mit Gallen vermischet;
they gave him vinegar to drink mixed with gall;
und da er’s schmeckete, wollte er’s nicht trinken.
and when he tasted it, he would not drink.
Da sie ihn aber gekreuziget hatten,
Then they crucified him,
teilten sie seine Kleider und wurfen das Los darum,
and divided up his clothing and drew lots for it,
auf dass erfüllet würde, das gesagt ist durch den Propheten:
so that what is said by the prophets would be filled:
»Sie haben meine Kleider unter sich geteilet,
“They have divided by close amongst themselves
und über mein Gewand haben sie das Los geworfen.«
and for my garment they have cast lots.”
Und sie saßen allda und hüteten sein.
And they sat there and kept guard.
Und oben zu seinen Häupten hefteten sie
And over his head they fixed
die Ursach seines Todes beschrieben, nämlich:
the reason for his death written out, namely:
»Dies ist Jesus, der Jüden König.«
“This is Jesus, King of the Jews.”
Und da wurden zween Mörder mit ihm gekreuziget,
And two murderers were crucified with him,
einer zur Rechten und einer zur Linken.
one on his right and one on his left
Die aber vorübergingen, lästerten ihn
But those who passed by reviled him
und schüttelten ihre Köpfe und sprachen:
and shook their heads and said:58b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Der du den Tempel Gottes zerbrichst
You who destroy God’s temple
und bauest ihn in dreien Tagen, hilf dir selber!
And build it in three days, help yourself!
Bist du Gottes Sohn, so steig herab vom Kreuz!
If you are God’s son, then come down from the cross!58c
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Desgleichen auch die Hohenpriester spotteten sein
In the same way the chief priests also derided him
samt den Schriftgelehrten und Ältesten und sprachen:
together with the scribes and elders and said:58d
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Andern hat er geholfen und kann sich selber nicht helfen.
He helped others and he cannot help himself.
Ist er der König Israel, so steige er nun vom Kreuz,
If he is the king of Israel, then let him now come down from the cross
so wollen wir ihm glauben.
And we will believe in him.
Er hat Gott vertrauet, der erlöse ihn nun, lüstet’s ihn;
He trusted in God, let him deliver him, if he delights in him;
denn er hat gesagt: Ich bin Gottes Sohn.
For he said: I am God’s son.58e
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Desgleichen schmäheten ihn auch die Mörder, die mit ihm gekreuziget waren.
In the same way also the murderers, who crucified with him, reviled him.59
Recitative [Alto]
Oboe da caccia I/II, Continuo
Ach Golgatha, unselges Golgatha!
Ah Golgotha, accursed Golgotha!
Der Herr der Herrlichkeit muss schimpflich hier verderben
The Lord of glory must shamefully perish here,
Der Segen und das Heil der Welt
The blessing and salvation of the world
Wird als ein Fluch ans Kreuz gestellt.
Is put on the cross as a curse.
Der Schöpfer Himmels und der Erden.
From the creator of the heaven and the earth
Soll Erd und Luft entzogen werden.
The Earth and the air will be taken away
Die Unschuld muss hier schuldig sterben,
The innocent must here die as guilty,
Das gehet meiner Seele nah;
That touches my soul deeply;
Ach Golgatha, unselges Golgatha!
Ah Golgotha, accursed Golgotha!60
Aria [Alto] and Chorus [S,A, T, B]
Oboe da caccia I/II, Continuo
Sehet, Jesus hat die Hand,
See Jesus had stretched out his hands
Uns zu fassen, ausgespannt,
To embrace us,
Kommt! – Wohin? – in Jesu Armen
Come! – where? -in Jesus’s arms
Sucht Erlösung, nehmt Erbarmen,
Seek redemption, receive mercy,
Suchet! – Wo? – in Jesu Armen.
Seek! – where? -in Jesus’s arms.
Lebet, sterbet, ruhet hier,
Live, die, rest here,
Ihr verlass’nen Küchlein ihr,
You forsaken chicks,
Bleibet – Wo? – in Jesu Armen.
Remain -where? -in Jesus’s arms.61a
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Jesus (B)
Evangelist:
Und von der sechsten Stunde an war eine Finsternis
And from the sixth hour there was darkness
über das ganze Land bis zu der neunten Stunde.
Over the whole land until the ninth hour.
Und um die neunte Stunde schriee Jesus laut und sprach:
And at the ninth hour Jesus cried aloud and said:Jesus:
Eli, Eli, lama asabthani?Evangelist:
Das ist: Mein Gott, mein Gott, warum hast du mich verlassen?
That is: my God, my God, why have you forsaken me?
Etliche aber, die da stunden, da sie das höreten, sprachen sie:
But some, who were standing there, when they heard this said:61b
Chorus
Oboe I/II, Violino, Viola, Continuo
Der rufet dem Elias!
He is calling on Elias!61c
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo Evangelist
Und bald lief einer unter ihnen,
And one of them quickly ran,
nahm einen Schwamm und füllete ihn mit Essig
took a sponge and dipped it in vinegar
und steckete ihn auf ein Rohr und tränkete ihn.
And put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink.
Die andern aber sprachen:
But the others said:61d
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Halt! lass sehen, ob Elias komme und ihm helfe?
Wait! Let’s see if Elias comes and helps him?61e
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo Evangelist
Evangelist:
Aber Jesus schriee abermal laut und verschied.
But Jesus again gave a loud cry and left this life.62
Chorale
Flauto traverso I/II e Oboe I/II e Violino I col Soprano, Violino II coll’Alto, Viola col Tenore, Continuo
Wenn ich einmal soll scheiden,
When I one day must depart from here
So scheide nicht von mir,
Then do not depart from me,
Wenn ich den Tod soll leiden,
When I must suffer death
So tritt du denn herfür!
Then step forward next to me!
Wenn mir am allerbängsten
When most full of fear
Wird um das Herze sein,
I am in my heart,
So reiß mich aus den Ängsten
Then snatch me from my fears
Kraft deiner Angst und Pein!
By the strength of your agony and pain!63a
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Und siehe da, der Vorhang im Tempel
And see, the veil in the temple
zerriss in zwei Stück von oben an bis unten aus.
was torn into two pieces from the top to the bottom
Und die Erde erbebete, und die Felsen zerrissen,
and the earth quaked and the rocks split,
und die Gräber täten sich auf,
and the graves were opened
und stunden auf viel Leiber der Heiligen,
and there rose up many bodies of holy people
die da schliefen, und gingen aus den Gräbern
who were sleeping there and they went from the graves
nach seiner Auferstehung und kamen in die heilige Stadt
after their rising and came into the holy city
und erschienen vielen.
and appeared to many
Aber der Hauptmann und die bei ihm waren
But the captain and those who were with him
und bewahreten Jesum, da sie sahen
And were guarding Jesus, when they saw
das Erdbeben und was da geschah,
the earthquake and what had happened,
erschraken sie sehr und sprachen:
they were very afraid and said:63b
Chorus
Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Wahrlich, dieser ist Gottes Sohn gewesen.
This man really was the so.n of God.63c
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo Evangelist
Evangelist:
Und es waren viel Weiber da, die von ferne zusahen,
And there were many women who looked on from a distance,
die da waren nachgefolget aus Galiläa
who had followed him from Galilee
und hatten ihm gedienet,
and had served him,
unter welchen war Maria Magdalena und Maria,
among whom were Mary Magdalene and Mary,
die Mutter Jacobi und Joses,
the mother of James and Joses,
und die Mutter der Kinder Zebedäi.
and the mother of the children of Zebedee
Am Abend aber kam ein reicher Mann von Arimathia,
But in the evening came a rich man from Arimathea,
der hieß Joseph, welcher auch ein Jünger Jesu war,
who was called Joseph and who also was a disciple of Jesus.
der ging zu Pilato und bat ihn um denLeichnam Jesu.
He went to Pilate and asked him for Jesus’s corpse.
Da befahl Pilatus, man sollte ihm ihn geben.
Then Pilate gave orders that it should be given to him.64
Recitative [Bass]
Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Am Abend, da es kühle war,
In the evening, when it was cool,
Ward Adams Fallen offenbar;
The fall of Adam was manifest
Am Abend drücket ihn der Heiland nieder.;
In the evening the saviour presses down on him;
Am Abend kam die Taube wieder
In the evening the dove returned
Und trug ein Ölblatt in dem Munde.
And carried an olive branch in its mouth.
O schöne Zeit! O Abendstunde!
O beautiful time! O evening hour!
Der Friedensschluss ist nun mit Gott gemacht,
Thepeace treaty with God is now made
Denn Jesus hat sein Kreuz vollbracht.
For Jesus has brought to fulfilment his cross.
Sein Leichnam kömmt zur Ruh,
His corpse comes to rest,
Ach! liebe Seele, bitte du,
Ah! Dear soul, pray,
Geh, lasse dir den toten Jesum schenken,
Go, let them give you the dead Jesus,
O heilsames, o köstlichs Angedenken!
O salutary, o precious remembrance!65
Aria [Bass]
Oboe da caccia I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Mache dich, mein Herze, rein,
Make yourself pure, my heart
Ich will Jesum selbst begraben,
I want to bury Jesus himself within me,
Denn er soll nunmehr in mir
For he now within me
Für und für
Forever
Seine süße Ruhe haben.
Shall have his sweet rest.
Welt, geh aus, lass Jesum ein!
World, depart from my heart, let Jesus enter!66a
Recitative [Tenor]
Continuo
Evangelist:
Und Joseph nahm den Leib
And Joseph took the body
und wickelte ihn in ein rein Leinwand
and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth
und legte ihn in sein eigen neu Grab,
and laid it in his own new grave
welches er hatte lassen in einen Fels hauen,
which had been carved for him in a rock,
und wälzete einen großen Stein vor die Tür des Grabes und ging davon.
and he rolled a great stone in front of the door of the grave and went away.
Es war aber allda Maria Magdalena und die andere Maria,
But Mary Magdalen and the other Marys were there
die satzten sich gegen das Grab.
and they sat opposite the grave
Des andern Tages, der da folget nach dem Rüsttage,
On the next day, the one that followed the day of rest,
kamen die Hohenpriester und Pharisäer sämtlich zu Pilato und sprachen:
the chief priests and Pharisees came together to Pilate and said:66b
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Herr, wir haben gedacht, dass dieser Verführer sprach,
Lord, we have remembered that this deceiver said,
da er noch lebete: Ich will nach dreien Tagen wieder auferstehen.
while he was still alive: I shall rise again after three days.
Darum befiehl, dass man das Grab verwahre bis an den dritten Tag,
Therefore give orders that the tomb should be guarded until the third day
auf dass nicht seine Jünger kommen
so that his disciples do not come
und stehlen ihn und sagen zu dem Volk:
and steal his body and say to the people:
Er ist auferstanden von den Toten,
“He has risen from the dead”
und werde der letzte Betrug ärger denn der erste!
And the last deception would be worse than the first!66c
Recitative [Tenor, Bass]
Continuo Evangelist (T), Pilate (B)
Evangelist:
Pilatus sprach zu ihnen:
Pilate said to them:Pilatus:
Da habt ihr die Hüter; gehet hin und verwahret’s, wie ihr’s wisset!
You have guards of your own; go away and keep watch as best you can!Evangelist:
Sie gingen hin und verwahreten das Grab mit Hütern und versiegelten den Stein.
They went away and kept watch over the grave with guards and sealed the stone.67
Recitative [Bass, Tenor, Alto, Soprano] and Chorus [S,A, T, B]
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Bass:
Nun ist der Herr zur Ruh gebracht.
Now is the Lord brought to peace
Mein Jesu, gute Nacht!
My Jesus, goodnight!Evangelist:
Die Müh ist aus, die unsre Sünden ihm gemacht.
The trouble is over, which our sins caused for him.
Mein Jesu, gute Nacht!
My Jesus, goodnight!Alto:
O selige Gebeine,
O sacred bones,
Seht, wie ich euch mit Buß und Reu beweine,
See how I weep for you with penance and remorse
Dass euch mein Fall in solche Not gebracht!
That my fall has brought you into such distress!
Mein Jesu, gute Nacht!
My Jesus, goodnight!Soprano:
Habt lebenslang
As long as life lasts
Vor euer Leiden tausend Dank,
Have a thousand thanks for your sufferings
Dass ihr mein Seelenheil so wert geacht’.
For having valued so highly the salvation of my soul
Mein Jesu, gute Nacht!
My Jesus, goodnight!68
Chorus
Flauto traverso I/II, Oboe I/II, Violino I/II, Viola, Continuo
Wir setzen uns mit Tränen nieder
We sit down with tears
Und rufen dir im Grabe zu:
And call to you in your tomb
Ruhe sanfte, sanfte ruh!
Rest gently, gently rest!
Ruht, ihr ausgesognen Glieder!
Rest, you exhausted limbs!
Euer Grab und Leichenstein
Your grave and tombstone
Soll dem ängstlichen Gewissen
For our anguished conscience shall be
Ein bequemes Ruhekissen
A pillow that gives peace and comfort
Und der Seelen Ruhstatt sein.
And the place where our souls find rest.
Höchst vergnügt schlummern da die Augen ein.
With the greatest content there our eyes will close in sleep. -
The Immaculate Conception of Mary Debunked
Bernadette Soubirous, a young teenager in France in the 19th century, reportedly experienced 18 visions of the Blessed Mother Mary. She appeared to Bernadette in a grotto near Lourdes. In one of these visions she exclaimed, “I AM THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION!”
From Wikipedia:
The Marian Apparitions at Lourdes were reported in 1858 by Bernadette Soubirous, a 14-year-old miller’s daughter from the town of Lourdes in southern France.
From 11 February to 16 July 1858, she reported 18 apparitions of “a Lady”. Soubirous described the lady as wearing a white veil and a blue girdle; she had a golden rose on each foot and held a rosary of pearls. After initial skepticism from the Clergy, these claims were eventually declared to be worthy of belief after a canonical investigation, and the apparition is known as Our Lady of Lourdes.
According to Soubirous, her visions occurred at the grotto of Massabielle, just outside Lourdes. On 16 July 1858, Soubirous visited the grotto for the last time and said: “I have never seen her so beautiful before.” On 18 January 1862, the local bishop declared: “The Virgin Mary did appear indeed to Bernadette Soubirous.” In 1958, Pope Pius XII issued the encyclical Le pèlerinage de Lourdes (“The pilgrimage to Lourdes”) on the 100th anniversary of the apparitions. Pope John Paul II visited Lourdes three times; Pope Benedict XVI visited Lourdes on 15 September 2008 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the apparitions.
Soubirous was canonized a saint in 1933 by Pope Pius XI.
During the 16th appearance of Mary on March 25th she exclaimed: “I AM THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION!”
From Wikipedia:
The Immaculate Conception is a doctrine of the Roman Catholic church that states that the Virgin Mary was free of original sin from the moment of her conception.
First debated by medieval theologians, it proved so controversial that it did not become part of official Catholic teaching until 1854, when Pius IX gave it the status of dogma in the papal bull Ineffabilis Deus.
On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX made the infallible proclamation:
We declare, pronounce, and define that the doctrine which holds that the most Blessed Virgin Mary, in the first instance of her conception, by a singular grace and privilege granted by Almighty God, in view of the merits of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the human race, was preserved free from all stain of original sin, is a doctrine revealed by God and therefore to be believed firmly and constantly by all the faithful.
(Pope Pius IX, Apostolic Constitution Ineffabilis Deus)
Some of the Catholic church’s most esteemed and learned Doctors such as Thomas Aquinas and Bernard of Clairvaux did not believe in the doctrine of the immaculate conception of Mary. Aquinas was the leading saint in the Catholic church in medieval times. The Franciscans and Dominicans of the 13th century were against the Immaculate Conception as well.
If we look to Scripture we see no support at all for this novel doctrine. With this papal pronouncement ex cathedra Pope Pius made it such that the Catholic faithful must believe in this dogma or else they would be cut off from salvation! This is terrible. As a Protestant I reject the notion of an infallible teaching authority (Magisterium). If a Christian doctrine cannot be clearly substantiated by Scripture it is without merit.
I hear Catholic apologists assert that Jesus could only be conceived without sin in a woman that was sinless herself. This is wrong biblically as well as illogical. According to Catholic beliefs the sinful parents of Mary were able to conceive an immaculate child Mary! Yet they say Jesus could not also have been conceived by a sinful Mary! It is inconsistent and self-contradictory. So this assertion by Catholics that if Mary were sinful Jesus would have inherited a sinful nature is nonsense.
I’ve also heard Catholic apologists assert that Luke 1:28, when the angel Gabriel said to Mary, “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” that this means Mary was without sin! This is utter eisegesis! Reading the belief you want into the text. A more accurate translation is that Mary is highly favored. God gave her the grace she needed to bear the Messiah. It doesn’t mean that Mary was sinless.
Another thing I hear Catholic apologists assert is that they say how could this uneducated girl who was just 14 know about the dogma of the Immaculate Conception of Mary which was promulgated only 4 years earlier? It’s obvious to me that 4 years is plenty of time for such a major dogma to spread to the Catholic faithful. Even if a relative of Bernadette didn’t know of the dogma I’m sure her priest did and he told her what to say!
Here is a movie about these events at Lourdes:
I took a poll in one of my Facebook groups which has a lot of Catholics and the majority believed it would make a huge difference in their salvation if Mary were a sinner and not immaculately conceived! This result makes me very sad. They don’t understand the nature of salvation which is by grace alone, through faith alone in Christ alone! Mary’s only role in our salvation was a secondary one as the mother of Jesus. She plays no further part in our salvation.
The doctrine of the immaculate conception of Mary is unheard of until the mid 3rd century. It should also be noted that more than a few Church Fathers opposed this doctrine:
1. Origen, commenting on Luke 2:35, and specifically Simeon’s statement that a sword will pierce Mary’s heart:
“What ought we to think? That while the apostles were scandalized, the Mother of the Lord was immune from scandal? If she had experienced scandal during the Lord’s Passion, Jesus did not die for her sins. But if all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but are justified by his grace and redeemed,” then Mary too was scandalized by this moment. This is what Simeon is prophesying about…. Your soul will be pierced by the sword of unbelief and will be wounded by the sword point of doubt” (Homilies on Luke, 17.6-7).
2. Tertullian references certain flaws of Mary in his discussion of the unbelief of Jesus’ family (“not even his brothers believed in him” [John 7:5]) and Jesus’ question in Matthew 12:48: “
What are mother and brothers to me?
” He affirms, over and against Apelles and Marcion, Jesus’ genuine nativity, but has no hesitation in including Mary along with his brothers as unbelieving and the object of his rebukes: “when denying one’s parents in indignation, one does not deny their existence, but censures their faults.” Evidently Tertullian is not aware that this is a controversial opinion. He even goes so far as to see Mary as a symbol of the unbelieving synagogue that rejected Christ: “in the abjured mother there is a figure of the synagogue, as well as of the Jews in the unbelieving brethren” (On the Flesh of Christ, chapter 7.)3. Like Origen, Basil interpreted the sword of Luke 2:35 as the sword of doubt, linking Mary with the disciples in receiving healing and confirmation in faith after Jesus’ resurrection:
“Simeon therefore prophesies about Mary herself, that when standing by the cross, and beholding what is being done, and hearing the voices, after the witness of Gabriel, after her secret knowledge of the divine conception, after the great exhibition of miracles, she shall feel about her soul a mighty tempest. The Lord was bound to taste of death for every man—to become a propitiation for the world and to justify all men by His own blood. Even you yourself, who hast been taught from on high the things concerning the Lord, shall be reached by some doubt. This is the sword. “That the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” He indicates that after the offense at the Cross of Christ a certain swift healing shall come from the Lord to the disciples and to Mary herself, confirming their heart in faith in Him. In the same way we saw Peter, after he had been offended, holding more firmly to his faith in Christ” (Basil, Letter 260.9).
The earlier context makes it clear that this is not a blameless doubt, for Basil is linking Mary with the other disciples in their “rising and falling” in doubt at the offense of the cross, which Basil interprets as the “sign” of which Simeon speaks (see Letter 260.6-9).
4. There are numerous passages in John Chrysostom where he indicates a moral fault in Mary. His comments on Mary’s vainglory in John 2, and Jesus’ rebuke to her, are well-known. Also relevant is his comment on Matthew 12:46-49, where John portrays Mary with a vainglorious desire to have power over her son:
“And this He said, not as being ashamed of His mother, nor denying her that bare Him; for if He had been ashamed of her, He would not have passed through that womb; but as declaring that she has no advantage from this, unless she do all that is required to be done. For in fact that which she had essayed to do, was of superfluous vanity; in that she wanted to show the people that she has power and authority over her Son, imagining not as yet anything great concerning Him; whence also her unseasonable approach” (Homilies in Matthew, Homily 44.3).
John proceeds to compare this occasion to Jesus’ rebuke of Mary in John 2, describing the effect of Jesus’ words to his mother as intended to “heal her vainglory.”
5. Hilary of Poitiers, once again on Luke 2:35, interprets Simeon’s words as a judgment upon Mary: “if this virgin, made capable of conceiving God, will encounter the severity of this judgment, who will dare to escape?” (Tractatus in Ps. 118).
There are other examples we could give (just this morning I discovered a strong statement by Fulgentius of Ruspe as late as the 6th century that Mary was “conceived in iniquity in accordance with human practice” [Epistula 17.13]). And even among theologians who affirm Mary’s sinlessness, many do not affirm the immaculate conception. Augustine would fall into this camp (e.g., he speaks of Mary being “derived from the propagation of sin” in Genesi Ad Litteram 10.18.32).
— https://gavinortlund.com/2020/12/18/church-fathers-who-denied-the-immaculate-conception/
What I find most interesting and noteworthy about these statements is the utter lack of controversy they produced! If belief in Mary’s immaculate conception was common in the early church, why did no one rise up to oppose them? This, combined with the lack of clear support for the immaculate conception in the first or second century (it possibly begins in the third, but is still very scant then), suggests that this doctrine was absent in the early church and thus not apostolic as Rome asserts! I’ve noticed a common problem with the Marian doctrines. They all lack proper biblical support, yet Rome asserts they were all believed continuously from the earliest period of the Church! This is dishonest.
The truth is that Mary, although favored of God, was an ordinary human being. Only Jesus Christ was immaculately conceived, born of a virgin, and born without sin. He was the only human being to live a perfect sinless life! It is a wicked affront to assert that a fallible human being who did not possess a divine nature was also sinless and perfect! Further the fact that there is virtually no biblical support for the doctrine, and the fact that this doctrine was unheard of until the mid 3rd century is compelling enough to conclude that no Mary was not immaculately conceived, and she was a sinner in need of a savior like us all.
Finally the best witness against this erroneous doctrine is Scripture itself:
“As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one” – Romans 3:10
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”- Romans 3:23
“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” – 1 John 1:8
“Surely there is not a righteous man on earth who does good and never sins.” – Ecclesiastes 7:20
“Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned” – Romans 5:12
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Scrooge 1935
Here we see the opening credits at the commencement of the story in the book: “I have endeavoured in this Ghostly little book to raise the Ghost of an Idea which shall not put my readers out of humour with themselves, and each other, with the season, or with me. May it haunt their houses pleasantly, and no one wish to lay it.” Their faithful Friend and Servant, CHARLES DICKENS December, 1843
I first saw this film when I was 5 years old. It is one of the earliest Christmas movies I remember. Also, it holds the distinction of being the first British film I had ever seen. In this adaptation of Charles Dickens wonderful novel, “A Christmas Carol”, we are introduced to the foul tempered, irascible old curmudgeon Ebeneezer Scrooge, played impressively by Sir Seymour Hicks, who sees nothing merry in Christmas. Rather he dismisses it with, “Bah humbug!” Scrooge and his former partner, Jacob Marley, who died 9 years ago at the time of the story, established a money lending firm. They valued profits above people. The pound sterling was their idol. Scrooge’s employee, Bob Cratchit, played brilliantly by Donald Calthrop, who is over worked, underpaid, does his best to not let Scrooge ruin his Christmas cheer. Produced by Julius Hagen and directed by Henry Edwards.
The film opens with Scrooge and Bob busy writing down figures on Christmas Eve night in the year 1843. The location is London, England. We see Bob trying to warm his freezing hands by a candle’s flame. Not only is Scrooge miserly in his business dealings, but also with his coal. He objects to poor Bob adding a few lumps of coal to the furnace in the frigid office and admonishes him for doing so.
Scrooge complains that he has to begrudgingly pay Bob for the Christmas day holiday; he reminds Bob that he’s being paid for not working. Scrooge’s nephew, Fred, drops by and invites his uncle Scrooge to a holiday party on Christmas day. Scrooge rebuffs him rudely. When Bob voices support for Fred’s holiday spirit of good cheer, Scrooge warns him he could soon find himself without a job.
It’s 7pm so Bob leaves and wishes Scrooge a merry Christmas. Scrooge angrily dismisses him with a scornful, “Bah humbug!” Scrooge has dinner and then returns home. He sees the disembodied face of Jacob Marley, his old partner, hovering ominously above the door knocker.
Marley’s ghost appears inside Scrooge’s home and tells him that he will be visited by 3 spirits tonight. The spirits are of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. He laments that he should have made humanity and love his business while he was still alive. He carriers around a heavy chain with many links for all of his sins. Marley informs Scrooge that his chain is even longer. Marley roams the earth without any peace.
Scrooge goes to sleep, and soon the spirit of Christmas Past awakens him. He takes Scrooge to a scene from his youth, when he was a young man. A desperate husband and wife plead with Scrooge to give them more time to repay him, even just a week. Scrooge refuses and says he will take possession of their house. They leave, but Scrooge’s fiancee had come in earlier and overheard the whole dreadful conversation. She tells Scrooge that she tried to not believe the awful things she’d been hearing from her social circle about Scrooge being consumed with the love of money and not having human warmth and charity. She breaks off their engagement by giving Scrooge back her engagement ring. Scrooge is devastated to see this, and he tells the spirit he can’t bear it anymore. He lost the love of his life because of greed and the love of money. Scrooge finds himself once again back in his bed and returns to sleep.
Scrooge is once again woken up by the spirit of Christmas Present. He is a large and jolly fellow. He shows him Bob and his crippled youngest son Tiny Tim. They emerge from church with Tim on Bob’s back as he happily takes him home. It’s evident the deep love Bob has for his son.
The Cratchit family eat their meager Christmas goose, yet they are overjoyed to be spending the time together as a family. Next comes the flaming Christmas pudding. Finally Bob asks that they all raise their glasses in a toast to the health of their benefactor Scrooge. His wife objects, but she acquiesces eventually. Scrooge asks what will become of Tiny Tim, and the spirit tells him he sees an empty chair and a crutch without a owner. Scrooge appears devastated to learn this.
Next Scrooge is once more back in his bed and soon the final Christmas spirit appears, the spirit of the Future. He takes him back to Bob’s home. Only now everyone looks sullen and the mood is very somber. We learn that Tiny Tim has died. Bob kisses Tiny Tim’s lifeless body one last time. At the exchange businessmen talk about an associate who has just died. And they say that no one will miss him. We then see 2 charwomen selling their bundles at a pawn broker. The one charwoman says how she took the fine shirt off the rich dead man’s body and took down his bedcurtains. They laugh and joke about the dead man not needing the stuff anymore. Scrooge asks the spirit who this man is? Next Scrooge is taken to the cemetery. He sees a grave with his name on it. He begs the spirit that these things which he’s seen will not come to pass. He says he will live righteously and keep Christmas every year if he is given another chance.
Scrooge is once more back in bed. It’s Christmas morning and, to his own astonishment, he’s alive. Scrooge prays and thanks his old partner Marley for the night’s experiences. He says he’s a changed man and promises to be a new creation. This echos the theme of the movie, which is personal redemption. Scrooge rejoices and giddily dances. You can see the unbridled exuberance in his facial expressions. The servant brings in his breakfast, and she’s astonished to see the change in Scrooge. Scrooge opens the bedroom window and asks a boy if the prized goose is still for sale. The boy says yes, and Scrooge tells him to go get it and he’ll reward him. Eventually the merchant and the boy arrive with the massive goose, and Scrooge instructs the boy to deliver it to Bob’s home, but not to say who it’s from.
Next we see Scrooge arrive at his nephew Fred’s home. They are having a Christmas party and are about to dine. When Scrooge enters their drawing room they are shocked and astonished to see him. Scrooge sheds tears at their Christmas tree when he hear the Christmas carol Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Scrooge is welcomed and he dines with them. Scrooge then returns to his office in town. Bob is running a bit late and sheepishly enters the office and goes to take his seat at his desk, when Scrooge, pretending to be upset, yells at him. Scrooge then informs Bob that he’s giving him a raise and that he intends to be a second father figure to Tiny Tim! Scrooge warmly embraces Bob and caresses his cheek with his hand.
Next, we see Scrooge enter a church. The congregation is singing Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. Scrooge looks a bit ashamed and downcast when he first steps into the church. But he then grabs a hymnal and sees Bob so he sits next to him. Scrooge warmly touches Bob’s hand, and they begin singing together. Scrooge’s spiritual transformation is now complete. This film clearly and effectively, in my view, presented the Gospel of Christ. It showed how utterly depraved and lost in sin Scrooge was. The 3 Christmas spirits were akin to the Holy Spirit quickening Scrooge’s heart. We see his psychological and spiritual journey reflected in the scenes of the film. Scrooge repents and believes the Gospel. The old Scrooge mired hopelessly in darkness was gone, and we see the new man in Christ. A new creation! I didn’t realize it as a child, but this movie beautifully articulated the Gospel and brilliantly portrayed the true peace and joy which can only come from faith in Christ.
I’ve watched many film adaptations of Dicken’s book, but I think Sir Seymour Hicks gave my favorite performance. Henry Edwards did a masterful job of directing, the pacing, attention to detail, I felt like I was in the bleak Victorian London, and the actors responded well to his direction. This copy I watched had some film artifacts and scratches and over exposures, but they weren’t bad enough to severely impair my enjoyment of viewing the film.
By the way, Sir Seymour Hicks first played Scrooge onstage in 1901 and it became his most popular role. Throughout his career he played it over a thousand times, often at fund-raising benefits. Hicks also played Scrooge in film for the first time in Old Scrooge a silent film short from 1913. I’d say my overall favorite retelling of this story is A Christmas Carol (1951) with Alastair Sim as Scrooge. This film which I’ve just reviewed with Hicks as Scrooge is my second favorite adaptation. But, Hicks delivers the best performance as Scrooge in my view.
Be sure to get a copy of this film that has the original running time of 78 minutes. Some releases are only 60 minutes. I also recommend the black and white version, not the recent colorized one.
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Christmas Reminiscing
I would like to wish all my readers a very happy, blessed, and merry Christmas! I know some Christians believe only Biblical holidays should be observed – those who follow the regulative principle of worship, which only allows that which Scripture explicitly allows. I follow the normative principle of worship. I believe we can do something unless it’s explicitly forbidden in Scripture. I don’t see how celebrating our Lord’s incarnation is unbiblical!
My sisters and I have very fond childhood Christmas memories! I recall how fun it was driving out to the Christmas tree lot by the old Allegheny airport, and picking out a real live tree! I will never forget that fresh pine scent. We all sang Christmas carols in the car. Then we’d all go home and put lights on the tree and hang ornaments and garland.
I loved hanging our stockings above the fireplace just before bedtime on Christmas Eve, in eager expectation of what we’d find inside them on Christmas morning!
One of my favorite family traditions is having a birthday cake for Jesus with 1 candle in it. And us kids joyfully singing Happy Birthday with our parents.
Nothing could beat the unbridled excitement of opening presents Christmas early morning. Our poor parents, we woke them up at 6am!
I also feel the loss of those who we celebrated Christmas with in the past, who are no longer with us. Especially my paternal and maternal grandparents, and my Great Aunt Mary. Gramma and Pap-Pap (paternal) had us down every Christmas Eve evening. I recall how wonderful it was to see all the Christmas lights on the houses and count how many houses were decorated. It was usually between 120-200 if I recall correctly. We’d have a succulent and juicy baked ham, pirogi, halushki, and fresh Polish kielbasa with horseradish. It was so much fun eating together with our family, my grandparents, our aunts and uncle. Then we’d open the mountain of presents our dear grandparents bought for us! We’d watch It’s A Wonderful Life and other Christmas movies and TV shows. It was a magical time! We also had fun at our maternal grandparents home on Pine Tree Road. That big old house!
My heart aches for my grandparents, and their absence in our lives is felt all the greater on holidays such as Christmas and Easter.
So this Christmas, I hope you’ll appreciate your loved ones. Spend time with them. Christmas is a bittersweet holiday because while we celebrate our Savior’s incarnation, we also think of the sadness of His Passion at Easter and His death on Calvary. But the story doesn’t end there. Because Christ defeated death, sin, and Satan. He rose on the third day! Hallelujah. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
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Doomsday Glacier
The ominously named Doomsday Glacier in Antarctica is at serious risk of total collapse within the next 3 years.
The Thwaites Glacier, otherwise known as the Doomsday Glacier, is approximately the size of Florida or Great Britain! It is the widest glacier on Earth, spanning roughly 80 miles (120 kilometers) and extending down between 2,600-3,900 feet (800-1,200 meters) to its grounding line (where the glacier transitions from being primarily land-attached to free-floating in the ocean).
The glacier is known as the Doomsday Glacier because it could trigger a cascade of glacial collapse in Antarctica with its collapse. During a briefing on December 13th during the American Geophysical Union’s (AGU) annual meeting, researchers have warned that it is at risk of collapse within the next three years. The ice mass is large enough to raise sea levels by more than two feet.
“And it could lead to even more sea-level rise, up to 10 feet (3 m) if it draws the surrounding glaciers with it,” said Ted Scambos, lead coordinator of The International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC).
Climate change has already significantly impacted the Thwaites Glacier, which is estimated to have lost around 1,000 billion tons (900 billion metric tons) of ice since 2000. In the past 30 years, annual ice loss has doubled, and the glacier now loses about 50 billion tons (45 billion metric tons) more ice than it receives in snowfall per year. The speed of its flow has doubled in 30 years, meaning twice as much ice is being spewed into the ocean as in the 1990s.
A 2014 University of Washington study, using satellite measurements and computer models, predicted that the Thwaites Glacier will gradually melt, leading to an irreversible collapse over the next 200 to 1000 years.[20][21][22][23][24][25]
A 2021 study suggested that the Thwaites Ice Shelf, which currently restrains eastern portion of the Thwaites Glacier, could collapse within 3-5 years, leading to the contribution to sea level rise from the eastern portion increasing and eventually becoming equivalent to that of the other, undefended portions of the glacier.[8] Scientists do not claim that the entire glacier will collapse within 3-5 years, only the ice shelf which rests on the ocean and restrains the eastern portion of the Thwaites Glacier. The floating ice shelf acts as a brace that prevents faster flow of the upstream ice.[26] This would mean an increased outflow from the glacier and thus an increased contribution to sea level rise (increasing from 4% of sea level rise to 5% of sea level rise in the short term).[7][9] Under the hypothesis of marine ice cliff instability, the exposing of tall cliffs from the ice shelf’s failure may lead to a chain reaction of collapse over centuries[26], although the veracity of this hypothesis has been disputed by other studies.[27][28][29]
According to Ted Scambos, a glaciologist at the University of Colorado Boulder and a leader of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration, in a late 2021 interview from McMurdo Station, “Things are evolving really rapidly here. It’s daunting.”[15] At a meeting of the American Geophysical Union in New Orleans, Louisiana in December the situation was described as worrisome.[30] — Wikipedia
The melting of floating ice as it makes contact with the ocean is a key reason why the glacier is coming unglued. Seawater that is a few degrees above freezing is melting the ice shelf from below. Warm water has recently been recorded near the Thwaites Glacier grounding line—the location where the glacial ice rests on the seafloor.
“What the satellites are showing us is a glacier coming apart at the seams,” said Ted Scambos, a senior scientist at the University of Colorado. “Every few years a new area seems to be letting go and accelerating. Like taffy being stretched out, this glacier is being drawn into the ocean.”
So global sea levels are expected to rise 2-10 feet in as soon as 3 years! This will be catastrophic for coastal cities. There doesn’t appear to be any way to stop it from collapsing. Unless Antarctica can replace the ice it’s been losing. Please pray!
Another study found that due to the Doomsday and Pine Island Glaciers melting global sea levels could rise 4 feet.
Here is some more information on the Doomsday Glacier.
And this isn’t the only massive glacier in Antarctica that’s been melting. The Pine Island Glacier has been deteriorating rapidly.
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Bach's Christmas Oratorio
J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio (Weihnachts-Oratorium)
Oratorio in 6 parts. BWV 248
Bach composed this work in Leipzig during 1734-1735.
The text is by Christian Friedrich Henrici (Picander).
This video recording is from 1982. Franz Kabelka – director.
Performed in the Waldhausen Abbey Church, Waldhausen im Strudengau, Oberösterreich, Österreich (Austria).Concentus Musicus Wien: Nikolaus Harnoncourt – conductor.
Peter Schreier – Tenor
Robert Holl – Bass
Soloists of the Tölzer Knabenchor – Chorusmaster: Gerhard Schmidt-GadenThis outstanding performance, from 39 years ago, holds a place of distinction in performances of this piece. Nikolaus Harnoncourt was a pioneer in Historically Informed Performance Practice (HIP). HIP employs the instruments which would have been used by Bach himself when this piece was first performed. Original instruments are used or historical reproductions. Also it’s interesting to note that Harnoncourt uses a relatively small boys choir instead of the large choruses which were popular in the 20th century. I much prefer the HIP practice when it comes to the chorus. It makes for a more intimate sound and the vocal parts are clearly articulated. Also it should be noted that boy sopranos sing the soprano parts. This is another practice which Bach employed!
I hope you enjoy this recording! Have a very blessed and merry Christmas!Here is a track list:
- 0:40 Kantate/Part I (Am Ersten Weihnachtsfeiertage)
- 27:46 Kantate/Part II (Am Zweiten Weihnachtsfeiertage)
- 55:58 Kantate/Part III (Am Dritten Weihnachtsfeiertage)
- 1:18:56 Kantate/Part IV (Am Neujahrstage)
- 1:43:38 Kantate/Part V (Am Sonntage Nach Neujahr)
- 2:07:33 Kantate/Part VI (Am Feste Der Erscheinung Christi)
I.
1 Chorus: Jauchzet, frohlocket 2 Evangelista: Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit 3 Recitativo (Alt): Nun wird mein liebster Bräutigam 4 Aria (Alt): Bereite dich, Zion 5 Choral: Wie soll ich dich empfangen 6 Evangelista: Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn 7 Choral: Er ist auf Erden kommen arm 8 Aria (Bass): Großer Herr, o starker König 9 Choral: Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein 10 Sinfonia 11 Evangelista: Und es waren Hirten 12 Choral: Brich an, du schönes Morgenlicht 13 Evangelista: Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen 14 Rezitativ (Tenor): Was Gott dem Abraham verheißen 15 Aria (Tenor): Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet 16 Evangelista: Und das habt zum Zeichen 17 Choral: Schaut hin, da liegt im finstren Stall 18 Rezitativ (Bass): So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten 19 Aria (Alt): Schlafe, mein Liebster 20 Evangelista: Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel 21 Choral: Ehre sei Gott 22 Rezitativ (Bass): So recht, ihr Engel 23 Choral: Wir singen dir in deinem Heer 24 Chorus: Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen 25 Evangelista: Und da die Engel 26 Chorus: Lasset uns nun gehen 27 Rezitativ: (Bass): Er hat sein Volk getröst’ 28 Choral: Dies hat er alles uns getan 29 Aria Duetto (Sopran, Bass): Herr, dein Mitleid 30 Evangelista: Und sie kamen eilend 31 Aria (Alt): Schließe, mein Herze 32 Rezitativ (Alt): Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren 33 Choral: Ich will dich mit Fleiß bewahren 34 Evangelista: Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um 35 Choral: Seid froh dieweil 36 24. Chorus (da capo 1): Herrscher des Himmels II.
36 Chorus: Fallt mit Danken 37 Evangelista: Und da acht Tage um waren 38 Rezitativ mit Choral: Immanuel, o süßes Wort! 39 Aria (Sopran): Flößt, mein Heiland 40 Rezitativ mit Choral: Wohlan, dein Name soll allein 41 Aria (Tenor): Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben 42 Chorale: Jesus richte mein Beginnen 43 Chor: Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen 44 Evangelista: Da Jesus geboren war zu Bethlehem 45 Chor: Wo ist der neugeborne König der Jüden 46 Choral: Dein Glanz all Finsternis verzehrt 47 Aria (Bass): Erleucht auch meine finstre Sinnen 48 Evangelista: Da das der König Herodes hörte 49 Rezitativ (Alt): Warum wollt ihr erschrecken? 50 Evangelista: Und ließ versammeln alle Hohepriester und Schriftgelehrten 51 Aria Terzetto (Sopran, Alt, Tenor): Ach, wenn wird die Zeit erscheinen 52 Rezitativ (Alt): Mein Liebster herrschet schon 53 Choral: Zwar ist solche Herzensstube 54 Chor: Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben 55 Evangelista: Da berief Herodes die Weisen heimlich 56 Rezitativ (Sopran): Du Falscher, suche nur den Herrn zu fällen 57 Aria (Sopran): Nur ein Wink von seinen Händen 58 Evangelista: Als sie nun den König gehöret hatten 59 Choral: Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier 60 Evangelista: Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum 61 Rezitativ (Tenor): So geht! Genug, mein Schatz geht nicht von hier 62 Aria (Tenor): Nun mögt ihr stolzen Feinde schrecken 63 Rezitativ, Quartett: Was will der Höllen Schrecken nun 64 Choral: Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen English Translation by Francis Browne (November 2008).
S = Soprano, A = Alto, T = Tenor, and B = Bass
Here is the complete text in German and English.
PART I
Chorus (SATB):
Jauchzet, frohlocket! auf, preiset die Tage,
Shout for joy, exult, rise up, glorify the day,
Rühmet, was heute der Höchste getan!
praise what today the highest has done!
Lasset das Zagen, verbannet die Klage,
Abandon hesitation, banish lamentation,
Stimmet voll Jauchzen und Fröhlichkeit an!
begin to sing with rejoicing and exaltation!
Dienet dem Höchsten mit herrlichen Chören,
Serve the highest with glorious choirs,
Laßt uns den Namen des Herrschers verehren!
let us honour the name of our ruler!Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Es begab sich aber zu der Zeit,
It happened at that time
dass ein Gebot von dem Kaiser Augusto ausging,
that an order went out from Caesar Augustus
dass alle Welt geschätzet würde.
that all the world should be assessed.
Und jedermann ging, dass er sich schätzen ließe,
And everyone went, so that he might be assessed,
ein jeglicher in seine Stadt.
each to his own city.
Da machte sich auch auf Joseph aus Galiläa,
Joseph went up out of Galilee
aus der Stadt Nazareth, in das jüdische Land zur Stadt David,
from the city of Nazareth, into the land of Judah to the city of David
die da heißet Bethlehem;
which is called Bethlehem;
darum, dass er von dem Hause und Geschlechte David war:
for he was of the house and race of David:
auf dass er sich schätzen ließe mit Maria,
so that he might be assessed with Mary,
seinem vertrauten Weibe, die war schwanger.
his betrothed wife, who was pregnant.
Und als sie daselbst waren, kam die Zeit, dass sie gebären sollte.
And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.Recitative (Alto):
Nun wird mein liebster Bräutigam,
Now my dearest bridegroom,
Nun wird der Held aus Davids Stamm
now the hero from the race of David
Zum Trost, zum Heil der Erden
for the consolation and salvation of the Earth
Einmal geboren werden.
shall at last be born.
Nun wird der Stern aus Jakob scheinen,
Now the star that comes from Jacob shall shine,
Sein Strahl bricht schon hervor.
its rays already burst forth.
Auf, Zion, und verlasse nun das Weinen,
Rise up, Zion, and abandon your weeping,
Dein Wohl steigt hoch empor!
your well-being climbs aloft!Aria (Alto):
Bereite dich, Zion, mit zärtlichen Trieben,
Make yourself ready, Zion,with tender desires
Den Schönsten, den Liebsten bald bei dir zu sehn!
to see with you soon him who is most beautiful, most dear!
Deine Wangen
Your cheeks
Müssen heut viel schöner prangen,
must today befar more beautifully resplendent,
Eile, den Bräutigam sehnlichst zu lieben!
hasten, to love your bridegroom with the greatest longing!Chorale (SATB):
Wie soll ich dich empfangen
How should I receive you
Und wie begegn’ ich dir?
and how should I meet you?
O aller Welt Verlangen,
O longing of the whole world
O meiner Seelen Zier!
O adornment of my soul!
O Jesu, Jesu, setze
O Jesus, Jesus, place
Mir selbst die Fackel bei,
yourself your lamp by me
Damit, was dich ergötze,
so that what gives you delight
Mir kund und wissend sei!
I may know and understand!Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und sie gebar ihren ersten Sohn
And she gave birth to her first son
und wickelte ihn in Windeln und legte ihn in eine Krippen,
and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger
denn sie hatten sonst keinen Raum in der Herberge.
for they had otherwise no room in the inn.Chorale (Soprano) and Recitative (Bass):
Er ist auf Erden kommen arm,
He has come on Earth in povertyDass er unser sich erbarm,
so that he may have mercy on us,Und in dem Himmel mache reich,
and make us rich in heavenUnd seinen lieben Engeln gleich.
and like his beloved angels.Kyrieleis!
Lord, have mercy!Wer will die Liebe recht erhöhn,
Who will rightly extol the love
Die unser Heiland vor uns hegt?
that our Saviour cherishes for us?
Ja, wer vermag es einzusehen,
Indeed, who is able to realise
Wie ihn der Menschen Leid bewegt?
how he is moved by human suffering?
Des Höchsten Sohn kömmt in die Welt,
The highest’s son came into the world
Weil ihm ihr Heil so wohl gefällt,
because its salvation pleases him so well
So will er selbst als Mensch geboren werden.
that he himself is willing to be born as a man.Aria (Bass):
Großer Herr, o starker König,
Great Lord, O mighty king,
Liebster Heiland, o wie wenig
dearest saviour, O how little
Achtest du der Erden Pracht!
you regard earthly splendour
Der die ganze Welt erhält,
He who maintains the whole world
Ihre Pracht und Zier erschaffen,
and created its glory and adornment
Muss in harten Krippen schlafen.
must sleep in a hard crib.Chorale (SATB):
Ach mein herzliebes Jesulein,
Ah little Jesus dear to my heart,
Mach dir ein rein sanft Bettelein,
make for yourself a clean, soft bed,
Zu ruhn in meines Herzens Schrein,
to rest in the shrine of my heart
Dass ich nimmer vergesse dein!
so that I may never forget you!PART II
Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und es waren Hirten in derselben Gegend
And there were shepherds in the same area
auf dem Felde bei den Hürden,
in the fields with their flocks,
die hüteten des Nachts ihre Herde.
they watched over their flocks by night.
Und siehe, des Herren Engel trat zu ihnen,
And see, the angel of the Lord came to them
und die Klarheit des Herren leuchtet um sie,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them
und sie furchten sich sehr
and they were very afraid.Chorale (SATB):
Brich an, o schönes Morgenlicht,
Break out, O beautiful light of morning,
Und lass den Himmel tagen!
and let the heavens dawn!
Du Hirtenvolk, erschrecke nicht,
You shepherd folk, do not fear
Weil dir die Engel sagen,
because the angels tell you
Dass dieses schwache Knäbelein
that this weak baby boy
Soll unser Trost und Freude sein,
shall be our consolation and joy,
Dazu den Satan zwingen,
subdue Satan
Und letztlich Friede bringen!
and bring peace at last!Recitative (Tenor, Soprano):
Tenor:
Und der Engel sprach zu ihnen:
And the angel said to them:Soprano:
Fürchtet euch nicht,
Do not fear,
siehe, ich verkündige euch große Freude,
See, I announce to you great joy
die allem Volke widerfahren wird.
which will befall all the people.
Denn euch ist heute der Heiland geboren,
For the saviour is born for you today,
welcher ist Christus, der Herr, in der Stadt David.
who is Christ,the Lord, in the city of David.Recitative (Bass):
Was Gott dem Abraham verheißen,
What God promised to Abraham
Das lässt er nun dem Hirtenchor
He now allows to the band of shepherds
Erfüllt erweisen.
To be shown as fulfilled.
Ein Hirt hat alles das zuvor
A shepherd had all beforehand
Von Gott erfahren müssen.
to learn from God.
Und nun muss auch ein Hirt die Tat,
And now also a shepherd must of the deed
Was er damals versprochen hat,
that was promised in the past
Zuerst erfüllet wissen.
first know of the fulfilmentAria (Tenor):
Frohe Hirten, eilt, ach eilet,
Joyful shepherds, hurry, ah hurry,
Eh ihr euch zu lang verweilet,
in case you linger too long,
Eilt, das holde Kind zu sehn!
Hurry to see the lovely child!
Geht, die Freude heißt zu schön,
Go, the joy is too beautiful,
Sucht die Anmut zu gewinnen,
seek to gain that loveliness,
Geht und labet Herz und Sinnen!
go and refresh your heart and mind!Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und das habt zum Zeichen:
And you shall have this for a sign:
Ihr werdet finden das Kind in Windeln gewickelt und in einer Krippe liegen.
You will find the child wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.Chorale (SATB):
Schaut hin, dort liegt im finstern Stall,
Look, there lies in the dark stable
Des Herrschaft gehet überall!
one who has dominion over all!
Da Speise vormals sucht ein Rind,
Where once an ox sought food
Da ruhet itzt der Jungfrau’n Kind.
now rests the Virgin’s child.Recitative (Bass):
So geht denn hin, ihr Hirten, geht,
Then go there, you shepherds, go,
Dass ihr das Wunder seht:
that you may see the wonder:
Und findet ihr des Höchsten Sohn
And if you find the son of the Highest
In einer harten Krippe liegen,
lying in a hard manger,
So singet ihm bei seiner Wiegen
then sing to him in his cradle
Aus einem süßen Ton
in a sweet tone
Und mit gesamtem Chor
and with the whole choir
Dies Lied zur Ruhe vor!
this song for his rest!Aria (Alto):
Schlafe, mein Liebster, genieße der Ruh,
Sleep, my dearest, enjoy your rest.
Wache nach diesem vor aller Gedeihen!
wake after this so that all may thrive!
Labe die Brust,
Comfort the breast,
Empfinde die Lust,
feel the pleasure
Wo wir unser Herz erfreuen!
with which we make glad our hearts!Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und alsobald war da bei dem Engel
And at once there was with the angel
die Menge der himmlischen Heerscharen,
a multitude of the heavenly host
die lobten Gott und sprachen:
who praised God and said:Chorus:
Angels:
Ehre sei Gott in der Höhe und Friede auf Erden und den Menschen ein Wohlgefallen.
Glory to God in the highest and peace on earth and goodwill towards menRecitative (Bass):
So recht, ihr Engel, jauchzt und singet,
It is right, you Angels, that you should rejoice and sing
Dass es uns heut so schön gelinget!
that it has turned out so well for us today!
Auf denn! wir stimmen mit euch ein,
Up then! We shall join with you,
Uns kann es so wie euch erfreun.
It can delight us as well as you.Chorale (SATB):
Wir singen dir in deinem Heer
We sing to you in your host
Aus aller Kraft, Lob, Preis und Ehr,
with all our might: “Praise, honour and glory,”
Dass du, o lang gewünschter Gast,
that you,o guest we have long desired,
Dich nunmehr eingestellet hast.
have now appeared.PART III
Chorus (SATB):
Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen,
Ruler of heaven, hear our inarticulate speech,
Laß dir die matten Gesänge gefallen,
let our faint songs please you,
Wenn dich dein Zion mit Psalmen erhöht!
when your Zion exalts you with psalms!
Höre der Herzen frohlockendes Preisen,
Hear the exultant praise of our hearts,
Wenn wir dir itzo die Ehrfurcht erweisen,
as we show our reverence for you
Weil unsre Wohlfahrt befestiget steht!
since our welfare is made sure!Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und da die Engel von ihnen gen Himmel fuhren,
And as the angels went from them to heaven
sprachen die Hirten untereinander:
the shepherds said to one another:Chorus:
Shepherds:
Lasset uns nun gehen gen Bethlehem
Let us now go to Bethlehem
und die Geschichte sehen, die da geschehen ist,
and see the event that has happened there,
die uns der Herr kundgetan hat.
which the Lord has made known to us.Recitative (Bass):
Er hat sein Volk getröst’,
He has consoled his people,
Er hat sein Israel erlöst,
He has redeemed his Israel,
Die Hülf aus Zion hergesendet
sent help out of Zion
Und unser Leid geendet.
and ended our suffering.
Seht, Hirten, dies hat er getan;
See, shepherds, this is what he has done;
Geht, dieses trefft ihr an!
Go, this is what you will find!Chorale (SATB):
Dies hat er alles uns getan,
All this he has done for us
Sein groß Lieb zu zeigen an;
to show his great love;
Des freu sich alle Christenheit
for this reason let all the Christian world rejoice
Und dank ihm des in Ewigkeit.
and thank him for this in eternity.
Kyrieleis!
Lord have mercy!Aria [Duet] (Soprano, Bass):
Herr, dein Mitleid, dein Erbarmen
Lord, your compassion, your mercy
Tröstet uns und macht uns frei.
console us and make us free.
Deine holde Gunst und Liebe,
Your gracious favour and love,
Deine wundersamen Triebe
your wondrous desires
Machen deine Vatertreu
make the love you have for us as a father
Wieder neu.
again new.Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und sie kamen eilend und funden beide, Mariam und Joseph,
And they came in haste and found both, Mary and Joseph
dazu das Kind in der Krippe liegen. ,
and with them the child lying in the manger
Da sie es aber gesehen hatten,
But when they had seen this
breiteten sie das Wort aus,
they spread the word
welches zu ihnen von diesem Kind gesaget war.
that had been spoken to them about this child
Und alle, für die es kam, wunderten sich der Rede,
and all those to whom it came wondered at the speech
die ihnen die Hirten gesaget hatten.
which the shepherds had told to them.
Maria aber behielt alle diese Worte
Mary however kept all these words
und bewegte sie in ihrem Herzen.
and thought over them in her heart.Aria (Alto):
Schließe, mein Herze, dies selige Wunder
Enclose, my heart, this blessed wonder
Fest in deinem Glauben ein!
firmly in your faith!
Lasse dies Wunder, die göttlichen Werke,
Let this wonder, this work of God,
Immer zur Stärke
always serve to strengthen
Deines schwachen Glaubens sein!
your weak faith!Recitative (Alto):
Ja, ja, mein Herz soll es bewahren,
Yes, yes, my heart will keep
Was es an dieser holden Zeit
what at this gracious time
Zu seiner Seligkeit
for its blessedness
Für sicheren Beweis erfahren.
it has learned as certain proof.Chorale (SATB):
Ich will dich mit Fleiß bewahren,
I shall diligently keep you in mind,
Ich will dir
I shall for you
Leben hier,
live here,
Dir will ich abfahren,
to you I shall depart
Mit dir will ich endlich schweben
with you I shall one day soar aloft
Voller Freud
full of joy
Ohne Zeit
beyond time
Dort im andern Leben.
there in the other life.Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und die Hirten kehrten wieder um,
And the shepherds went back again,
preiseten und lobten Gott um alles,
glorified and praised God for everything
das sie gesehen und gehöret hatten,
they had seen and heard,
wie denn zu ihnen gesaget war.
as it had been said to them.Chorale (SATB):
Seid froh dieweil,
Meanwhile be joyful
Dass euer Heil
that your salvation
Ist hie ein Gott und auch ein Mensch geboren,
has been born here as both God and man,
Der, welcher ist
He who is
Der Herr und Christ
the Lord and Christ
In Davids Stadt, von vielen auserkoren.
In David’s city, chosen from many.Chorus (SATB):
Herrscher des Himmels, erhöre das Lallen,
Ruler of heaven, hear our inarticulate speech,
Laß dir die matten Gesänge gefallen,
let our faint songs please you,
Wenn dich dein Zion mit Psalmen erhöht!
when your Zion exalts you with psalms!
Höre der Herzen frohlockendes Preisen,
Hear the exultant praise of our hearts,
Wenn wir dir itzo die Ehrfurcht erweisen,
as we show our reverence for you
Weil unsre Wohlfahrt befestiget steht!
since our welfare is made sure!PART IV
Chorus (SATB):
Fallt mit Danken, fallt mit Loben
Fall with thanks, fall with praise
Vor des Höchsten Gnadenthron!
Before the throne of mercy of the Highest!
Gottes Sohn
The son of God
Will der Erden
Is willing to become
Heiland und Erlöser werden,
The saviour and redeemer of the world,
Gottes Sohn
The son of God
Dämpft der Feinde Wut und Toben.
Subdues as the rage and fury of the enemy.Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und da acht Tage um waren,
And when eight days were passed
dass das Kind beschnitten würde,
And the child was to be circumcised
da ward sein Name genennet Jesus,
He was given the name Jesus
welcher genennet war von dem Engel,
as he had been called by the angel
ehe denn er im Mutterleibe empfangen ward.
Before he was conceived in his mother’s body.Recitative (Bass) and Chorale (Soprano):
Immanuel, o süßes Wort!
Emmanuel, O sweet word!
Mein Jesus heißt mein Hort,
My Jesus is my refuge,
Mein Jesus heißt mein Leben.
My Jesus is my life,
Mein Jesus hat sich mir ergeben,
My Jesus has given himself to me,
Mein Jesus soll mir immerfort
My Jesus shall constantly
Vor meinen Augen schweben.
Hover before my eyes,
Mein Jesus heißet meine Lust,
My Jesus is my delight,
Mein Jesus labet Herz und Brust.
My Jesus refreshes heart and breast
Jesu, du mein liebstes Leben,
Jesus, you who are my dearest life,
Meiner Seelen Bräutigam,
My soul’s bridegroom,
Komm! Ich will dich mit Lust umfassen,
Come !I will embrace you with delight
Mein Herze soll dich nimmer lassen,
My heart will never leave you
Der du dich vor mich gegeben
Who gave himself for me
An des bittern Kreuzes Stamm!
On the bitter beam of the cross!
Ach! So nimm mich zu dir!
Ah ! Then take me to yourself
Auch in dem Sterben sollst du mir
Even in dying you shall be
Das Allerliebste sein;
What I love best;
In Not, Gefahr und Ungemach
In distress, danger and affliction
Seh ich dir sehnlichst nach.
I gaze at you with longing.
Was jagte mir zuletzt der Tod für Grauen ein?
How at last should death strike me with terror?
Mein Jesus! Wenn ich sterbe,
My Jesus! When I die
So weiß ich, dass ich nicht verderbe.
Then I know that I shall not perish
Dein Name steht in mir geschrieben,
Your name written within the
Der hat des Todes Furcht vertrieben.
Has driven away the fear of death.Aria (Soprano) with Echo:
Flößt, mein Heiland, flößt dein Namen
Does your name instil, my saviour, does it instil
Auch den allerkleinsten Samen
Even the tiniest seed
Jenes strengen Schreckens ein?
Of that fierce terror?
Nein, du sagst ja selber nein. (Nein!)
No, you yourself say (No!)
Sollt ich nun das Sterben scheuen?
Shall I now be afraid of death?
Nein, dein süßes Wort ist da!
No, your sweet word is there!
Oder sollt ich mich erfreuen?
Or should I rejoice?
Ja, du Heiland sprichst selbst ja. (Ja!)
Yes, you my saviour say it yourself (Yes !)Recitative (Bass) and Chorale (Soprano):
Wohlan, dein Name soll allein
Well then, your name alone
In meinem Herzen sein!
Shall be in my heart
Jesu, meine Freud und Wonne,
Jesus, my joy and delight,
Meine Hoffnung, Schatz und Teil,
My hope, treasure and share
So will ich dich entzücket nennen,
This is what I shall call you in my delight,
Wenn Brust und Herz zu dir vor Liebe brennen.
For my breast and heart burn with love for you.
Mein Erlösung, Schmuck und Heil,
My redemption, my adornment and salvation,
Doch, Liebster, sage mir:
Yet, my beloved, tell me:
Wie rühm ich dich, wie dank ich dir?
How can I praise you, how can I thank you
Hirt und König, Licht und Sonne,
Shepherd and King, light and son,
Ach! wie soll ich würdiglich,
Ah ! How can I worthily
Mein Herr Jesu, preisen dich?
My Lord Jesus, give you praise?Aria (Tenor):
Ich will nur dir zu Ehren leben,
I shall live only to honour you,
Mein Heiland, gib mir Kraft und Mut,
My saviour, give me strength and courage
Dass es mein Herz recht eifrig tut!
So that my heart may do right eagerly
Stärke mich,
Strengthen me
Deine Gnade würdiglich
So that I may worthily
Und mit Danken zu erheben!
And thankfully extol your grace!Chorale (SATB):
Jesus richte mein Beginnen,
Jesus, guide my beginning,
Jesus bleibe stets bei mir,
Jesus, stay with me always,
Jesus zäume mir die Sinnen,
Jesus, curb my inclinations,
Jesus sei nur mein Begier,
Jesus, be my solr desire,
Jesus sei mir in Gedanken,
Jesus, be in my thoughts,
Jesu, lasse mich nicht wanken!
Jesus, do not let me waver!
PART VChorus (SATB):
Ehre sei dir, Gott, gesungen,
Let honour to you, God, be sung
Dir sei Lob und Dank bereit.
For you let praise and thanks be prepared.
Dich erhebet alle Welt,
All the world exalts you
Weil dir unser Wohl gefällt,
Because our welfare is pleasing to you,
Weil anheut
Because today
Unser aller Wunsch gelungen,
All our wishes have been achieved,
Weil uns dein Segen so herrlich erfreut.
Because your blessing delights us so gloriously.Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Da Jesus geboren war zu Bethlehem im jüdischen Lande zur Zeit des Königes Herodis,
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in the land of the Jews at the time of King Herod,
siehe, da kamen die Weisen vom Morgenlande gen Jerusalem und sprachen.
See, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem and said:Chorus and Recitative (Alto):
Wise Men:
Wo ist der neugeborne König der Jüden?
Where is the newborn King of the Jews?Alto:
Sucht ihn in meiner Brust,
Look for him in my breast,
Hier wohnt er, mir und ihm zur Lust!
Here he lives, to my delight and his!Wise Men:
Wir haben seinen Stern gesehen im Morgenlande und sind kommen, ihn anzubeten.
We have seen his star in the East and have come to worship him.Alto:
Wohl euch, die ihr dies Licht gesehen,
Happy are you who have seen the light,
Es ist zu eurem Heil geschehen!
It has appeared for your salvation!
Mein Heiland, du, du bist das Licht,
My saviour, you, you are the light
Das auch den Heiden scheinen sollen,
Which shall shine on the Gentiles also
Und sie, sie kennen dich noch nicht,
And they, they do not know you yet,
Als sie dich schon verehren wollen.
Though they would already worship you
Wie hell, wie klar muss nicht dein Schein,
How bright, how clear must your radiance be,
Geliebter Jesu, sein!
Beloved Jesus!Chorale (SATB):
Dein Glanz all Finsternis verzehrt,
Your splendour consumes all darkness,
Die trübe Nacht in Licht verkehrt.
The gloomy night is changed to light
Leit uns auf deinen Wegen,
Lead us in your ways,
Dass dein Gesicht
So that your face
Und herrlichs Licht
And your glorious light
Wir ewig schauen mögen!
We may see forever!Aria (Bass):
Erleucht auch meine finstre Sinnen,
Illuminate also my gloomy thoughts
Erleuchte mein Herze
Illuminate my heart
Durch der Strahlen klaren Schein!
With the rays of your clear light!
Dein Wort soll mir die hellste Kerze
Your word will be the brightest candle for me
In allen meinen Werken sein;
In all my deeds;
Dies lässet die Seele nichts Böses beginnen.
This lets my soul begin nothing evilRecitative (Tenor):
Evangelist
Da das der König Herodes hörte, erschrak er und mit ihm das ganze Jerusalem.
When King Herod heard this he was afraid and with him all Jerusalem.Recitative (Alto):
Warum wollt ihr erschrecken?
Why are you afraid?
Kann meines Jesu Gegenwart euch solche Furcht erwecken?
Can the presence of my Jesus arouse such fear in you?
O! solltet ihr euch nicht
Oh ! should you not rather
Vielmehr darüber freuen,
Rejoice over this
Weil er dadurch verspricht,
For he promises in this way
Der Menschen Wohlfahrt zu verneuen.
To restore the well-being of mankind.Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und ließ versammlen alle Hohepriester und Schriftgelehrten unter dem Volk
And he gathered together all the high priests and scribes among the people
und erforschete von ihnen, wo Christus sollte geboren werden.
And demanded of them where the Christ should be born.
Und sie sagten ihm: Zu Bethlehem im jüdischen Lande;
And they said to him: in Bethlehem in the land of the Jews;
denn also stehet geschrieben durch den Propheten:
For it is written by the prophets:
Und du Bethlehem im jüdischen Lande bist mitnichten die kleinest unter den Fürsten Juda;
And you, Bethlehem in the land of the Jews, are not the least among the princes of Judah
denn aus dir soll mir kommen der Herzog,
From you will comethe prince
der über mein Volk Israel ein Herr sei.
Who will be the lord over my people Israel.Aria [Terzetto] (SAT):
Ach, wenn wird die Zeit erscheinen?
Ah, When will the time appear ?
Ach, wenn kömmt der Trost der Seinen?
Ah, When will he who is the comfort of his people come ?
Schweigt, er ist schon würklich hier!
Be silent, he is really already here!
Jesu, ach so komm zu mir!
Jesus, ah, then come to me!Recitative (Alto):
Mein Liebster herrschet schon.
My beloved already rules.
Ein Herz, das seine Herrschaft liebet
A heart that loves his dominion
Und sich ihm ganz zu eigen gibet,
And gives itself completely to him as his own
Ist meines Jesu Thron.
Is the throne of my Jesus.Chorale (SATB):
Zwar ist solche Herzensstube
Indeed such a room in my heart
Wohl kein schöner Fürstensaal,
Is certainly no fine royal palace
Sondern eine finstre Grube;
But rather a dark pit;
Doch, sobald dein Gnadenstrahl
Yet, as soon as the rays of your mercy
In denselben nur wird blinken,
Only gleam within there
Wird es voller Sonnen dünken.
It will seem filled with sunlight.PART VI
Chorus (SATB):
Herr, wenn die stolzen Feinde schnauben,
Lord, when our arrogant enemies snort with rage
So gib, dass wir im festen Glauben
Then grant that we in firm faith
Nach deiner Macht und Hülfe sehn!
May look to your power and help!
Wir wollen dir allein vertrauen,
We want to trust you alone,
So können wir den scharfen Klauen
Then we can escape the sharp claws
Des Feindes unversehrt entgehn.
Of the enemy unhurt.Recitative (Tenor, Bass): Evangelist (Tenor), Herod (Bass):
Tenor:
Da berief Herodes die Weisen heimlich
Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly
und erlernet mit Fleiß von ihnen, wenn der Stern erschienen wäre?
And carefully learned from them when the star had appeared
und weiset sie gen Bethlehem und sprach:
And he directed them to Bethlehem and saidBass:
Ziehet hin und forschet fleißig nach dem Kindlein,
Go there and enquire carefully about the little child,
und wenn ihr’s findet, sagt mir’s wieder,
And when you have found him come back and tell me
dass ich auch komme und es anbete.
So that I also may go and worship him.Recitative (Bass):
Du Falscher, suche nur den Herrn zu fällen,
You cheat, you only seek the Lord to bring him down
Nimm alle falsche List,
You use all your false cunning
Dem Heiland nachzustellen;
To hunt after the saviour;
Der, dessen Kraft kein Mensch ermißt,
But he whose power no man can measure
Bleibt doch in sichrer Hand.
Still remains in safe hands.
Dein Herz, dein falsches Herz ist schon,
Your heart, your false heart is already,
Nebst aller seiner List, des Höchsten Sohn,
With all your treachery, by the son of the Highest,
Den du zu stürzen suchst, sehr wohl bekannt.
Whom you seek to cast down, very well-known.Aria (Soprano):
Nur ein Wink von seinen Händen
Just a wave of your hand
Stürzt ohnmächtger Menschen Macht.
Casts down the powerless strength of men.
Hier wird alle Kraft verlacht!
Here all might is derided
Spricht der Höchste nur ein Wort,
If the highest speaks one word
Seiner Feinde Stolz zu enden,
To put an end to the pride of his enemies,
O, so müssen sich sofort
Oh, then at once must
Sterblicher Gedanken wenden.
Thoughts of mortals be changed.Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Als sie nun den König gehöret hatten, zogen sie hin.
And when they had heard the King, they went away.
Und siehe, der Stern, den sie im Morgenlande gesehen hatten,
And see, the star, which they had seen in the East
ging für ihnen hin, bis dass er kam und stund oben über,
Went before them, until it came and stood over the place
da das Kindlein war.
Where the little child was.
Da sie den Stern sahen, wurden sie hoch erfreuet
When they saw the star, they rejoiced greatly
und gingen in das Haus und funden das Kindlein mit Maria, seiner Mutter,
And went into the house and found the child with Mary, his mother,
und fielen nieder und beteten es an und täten ihre Schätze
And they fell down and worshipped him and opened their treasures
auf und schenkten ihm Gold, Weihrauch und Myrrhen.
And gave him gold, frankincense and myrrh.Chorale (SATB):
Ich steh an deiner Krippen hier,
I stand here and your crib
O Jesulein, mein Leben;
O Little Jesus, my life;
Ich komme, bring und schenke dir,
I come, bring and give you
Was du mir hast gegeben.
What you have given to me.
Nimm hin! es ist mein Geist und Sinn,
Take it! It is my spirit and mind,
Herz, Seel und Mut, nimm alles hin,
Heart, soul and courage, take it all
Und lass dirs wohlgefallen!Recitative (Tenor):
Evangelist:
Und Gott befahl ihnen im Traum, dass sie sich nicht sollten wieder zu Herodes lenken,
And God ordered them in a dream that they should not return to Herod,
und zogen durch einen andern Weg wieder in ihr Land.
And so they departed by another way back to their own country.Recitative (Tenor):
So geht! Genug, mein Schatz geht nicht von hier,
Go then! It is enough that my treasure does not depart from here,
Er bleibet da bei mir,
He stays here by me,
Ich will ihn auch nicht von mir lassen.
I will not let him leave me
Sein Arm wird mich aus Lieb
His arm out of love
Mit sanftmutsvollem Trieb
With desire full of gentleness
Und größter Zärtlichkeit umfassen;
And with great tenderness will embrace me;
Er soll mein Bräutigam verbleiben,
He will remain my bridegroom,
Ich will ihm Brust und Herz verschreiben.
I will dedicate my heart and prayers to him
Ich weiß gewiss, er liebet mich,
I know for certain that he loves me
Mein Herz liebt ihn auch inniglich
My heart also loves him ardently
Und wird ihn ewig ehren.
And will always honour him.
Was könnte mich nun für ein Feind
What sort of enemy could now
Bei solchem Glück versehren!
Do me harm when I am so fortunate!
Du, Jesu, bist und bleibst mein Freund;
You, Jesus, are and remain my friend
Und werd ich ängstlich zu dir flehn:
And if I beg you anxiously
Herr, hilf!, so lass mich Hülfe sehn!
“Lord, help!”, then let me see your helpAria (Tenor):
Nun mögt ihr stolzen Feinde schrecken;
Now, you arrogant enemies, may try to scare me
Was könnt ihr mir für Furcht erwecken?
What sort of fear can you arouse in me
Mein Schatz, mein Hort ist hier bei mir.
My treasure, my refuge, is here with me
Ihr mögt euch noch so grimmig stellen,
Though you may appear ever so fierce
Droht nur, mich ganz und gar zu fällen,
And threatened to cast me down once and for all
Doch seht! mein Heiland wohnet hier.
Yet see! My saviour lives hereRecitative (SATB):
Was will der Höllen Schrecken nun,
What will the terror of hell do now,
Was will uns Welt und Sünde tun,
What will the world and send do for us
Da wir in Jesu Händen ruhn?
Since we rest in the hands of JesusChorale (SATB):
Nun seid ihr wohl gerochen
Now you are well avenged
An eurer Feinde Schar,
On the host of your enemies;
Denn Christus hat zerbrochen,
Christ has broken in pieces
Was euch zuwider war.
What was against you.
Tod, Teufel, Sünd und Hölle
Death, Devil, Sin and hell
Sind ganz und gar geschwächt;
are weakened once and for all;
Bei Gott hat seine Stelle
With God is the place
Das menschliche Geschlecht.
For the human race. -
Lectures on Calvinism
Here is an old book that is in the public domain (copyright expired), called Lectures on Calvinism by Abraham Kuyper. Kuyper was once Prime Minister of the Netherlands. He was Reformed, specifically Dutch Reformed, and was also a theologian and pastor.
The book covers what a Reformed, and hence biblical, outlook should be. This book began as an 1898 “Stone Lectures series” which Kuyper gave at Princeton University.
Famous Reformed apologist Cornelius Van Til (who used presuppositional apologetics) was influenced by Kuyper and others who were Dutch Reformed.
For download purposes here is the free E-book in EPUB, MOBI and PDF file formats for your viewing pleasure.
Also you can download an audiobook for free.
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God With Us
Three kings from the East
Followed the Star
They traveled farThe Star stopped
Above a manger so bright
It radiated lightEventually they arrived
At Bethlehem in the northwest
They brought their bestGold, frankincense and myrrh
Gifts for the newborn King
Angelic hosts did singShepherds tending their sheep
Saw angels appear
They said to not fearThe choirs of angels praised
The Son of God just born
On a frosty early mornGreat joy they did proclaim
Christ the Messiah had arrived
Man would soon be revivedMan was lost in sin
He needed a redeemer
Jesus would bring eternal favorJesus grew
And soon was a man
He began the Triune God’s planHe taught in Galilee
Traveled south to Judea too
Jesus’ renown soon grewThe Pharisees and High Priest
Wanted Him dead
Christ would die in our steadHe endured a cruel scourging
The crowd did ridicule and mock
Jesus endured – the great RockPilate found no fault
Christ was sentenced to death
He’d soon draw His last breathThe spotless Lamb hung
On the Cross for our sin
He was our propitiationHe gave up His spirit
The Holy of Holies’ curtain split
Thus began Christ’s transitHe appeared in Hell
And preached to the lost souls
He won their parolesSpace and time stood still
Light blasted from His tomb
Now alive was the BridegroomChrist conquered death
We join Him with our second birth
The truth behind Christmas mirthSo trust in Christ alone
Your sins will be imputed to Him
Rejoice in this glorious anthemYou’ll receive His perfect righteousness
No longer will you perish
You’re redeemed, no more anguishSo repent today
Hear the Gospel and believe
No longer can you Satan deceiveby Zachary Uram (c) 2021
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The Nuclear Holocaust
Atoms fuse together
The small particles
Combining with larger
Enormous energy
Released in an instant
Mathematical precision
A deadly calculus
A blinding flash of light
Brighter than the sun
Suddenly a shock wave
Obliterates
Everything in its path
Then raging heat
A firestorm
Bodies seared by the blaze
People become shadows
A horrible transformation
Cities reduced
To radioactive rubble
Millions of lives
Snuffed out
The survivors
Are the walking dead
Radiation annihilates their cells
The fallout
Blankets the sky
Earth grows cold
A century long winter
All is destroyed and lost
by Zachary Uram (c) 2021
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My Belly III
Oh my meaty, swollen belly
Smacking my belly
It is a gut most swellySmack to the left and right
Smacking my belly
It’s outta sightSmack it up and down
Smacking my belly
Brings me such renownOh what a sight
Smacking my belly
Gives me such delightSmack it at night and day
Smacking my belly
I smack it without delaySuch sweet rhythm
Smacking my belly
It’s like a drumAs loud as a thunderclap
Smacking my belly
My belt I do unstrapSmack it today and tomorrow
Smacking my belly
It will never give me sorrowI feel happy and free
Smacking my belly
I smack it with gleeI’ll smack my belly forevermore
Smacking my belly
The sound you cannot ignoreSmack it now and later
Smacking my belly
It’s never a laborby Zachary Uram (c) 2021