The night is nearly over The daylight nearly here: With praises let us welcome God's bright and morning star. Who suffered long in darkness Join in the joyful strain: The morning star is shining On all your fear and pain. He who was served by angels Comes as a child to serve: For God in mercy tempers The justice we deserve. Whoever here is guilty, Who knows himself defiled: Look up! and find salvation Believing in this Child. How quickly night is passing- Haste to the stable now! There you will find salvation, The reason why and how. God from your guilt's beginning Has heard you when you cried. Now he whom God has chosen Is standing at your side. As long as nights are falling On human guilt and pain, The star of God's good pleasure Will shine on traveling men. In souls lit by its radiance The darkness cannot brood: Look up! salvation for you Shines from the face of God! God wants to live in darkness So he can make it bright; As though he would reward it He guides the world aright. He who created all things Does not forsake the lost; Who trusts the Son as Saviour Has freedom at the last.