Ein Kind ist uns geboren (A Child Is Born unto Us) is a traditional Christmas carol from Upper Bavaria and the Salzburg, Tirol, Upper Austria and Silesia regions.
The song tells how the Savior was born in a stable and of His desire to be loved by men. It recounts how the shepherds hastened to the stable and how the Three Kings laid their hearts and their crowns at the feet of the Christ Child. Thus is the listener exhorted to rejoice at the birth of God among men.
Finally, the song makes a prayer to Jesus, asking Him to drive away all spiritual and material misfortunes, and to allow us to serve Him joyfully now and forever.
There are two melodies to this song, both in a lilting triple meter and somewhat similar. Ein Kind ist uns geboren is
interpreted below by Radlmoser Dreigesang. The versions featuring the other melody can be found
here (a picturesque family recording) and here with organ and mixed voices.
Listen to Ein Kind ist uns geboren
Lyrics:
German text
Ein Kind ist uns geboren,
Das Gott und Mensch zu gleich!
Er öffnet Herz und Ohren,
Ihr Christen, freuet euch!
Zu Bethlehem im Stalle
Kehrt unser Heiland ein,
Er kommt zum Trost für alle,
Geliebet will er sein.
Die Hirten hör’n das Singen
Der frohen Engelschar.
Gekrönte Fürsten bringen
Gold, Weihrauch, Myrrhen dar.
Sie legen Herz und Krone
Zu Jesu Füßen hin,
Sie seh’n in Davids Sohne
Gott selbst und preisen ihn.
Erfüll’ mit deinen Gnaden,
Herr Jesu, dieses Haus!
Tod, Krankheit, Seelenschaden,
Brand, Unglück treib’ hinaus!
Laß hier den Frieden grünen,
Verbanne Zank und Streit,
Daß wir dir fröhlich dienen
Jetzt und in Ewigkeit!
English translation:
A child is born to us,
Who is both God and man!
He opens hearts and ears,
Rejoice, you Christians!
In Bethlehem, in the stable,
Our Savior arrives,
He comes to comfort all,
He desires to be loved.
The shepherds hear the singing
Of the joyful angelic host.
Crowned Princes bring
Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
They lay their hearts and crowns
At Jesus' feet,
They see in David's Son
God himself and praise Him.
Fill with Thy grace,
Lord Jesus, this house!
Drive out death, sickness and spiritual harm,
Fire and misfortune!
Let peace flourish here,
Banish strife and discord,
That we may joyfully serve Thee
Now and forever!
For a version arranged for two voices, click here.
For a version arranged for three voices, click here.
The "Plank Nativity Scene," from the Innsbruck Volkskunstmuseum (Folk Art Museum). The Plank nativity scene was created in Thaur and Rum around 1880. The artist of the figures and Nativity scene is Johann Plank (1845-1913, Thaur/Rum)
