Source:
Public Domain
Full Score (PDF)
four-part score for piano and organ (can be used as half-sheet bulletin insert)
Key of FText: Paul Gerhardt, trans. Catherine Winkworth,
Music: Heinrich Isaak
Tune: O Welt, Ich Muss Dich Lassen
LBW/WOV Hymn: #276
ReClaim/Sola Hymn: #61
Hymn Text
1 Now all the woods are sleeping, Through fields and shadows creeping,
And cities sink to rest; Let us, as night is falling,
On God our maker calling, Give thanks to him who loves us best.
2 The radiant sun has vanished, Its golden rays are banished
From dark'ning skies of night; But Christ, the sun of gladness,
Dispelling all our sadness, Shines down on us in warmest light.
3 Now all the heav'nly splendor Breaks forth in starlight tender
From myriad woods unknown; And we, this marvel seeing,
Forget our selfish being For joy of beauty not our own.
4 Though long our ancient blindness Has missed God's loving-kindness
And plunged us into strife; One day, when life is over,
Shall death's fair night uncover The fields of everlasting life.