With the angels I would want to sing,
Far and wide in depth of night.
And to bear the message of the child
That is waiting for us in the stable.
I want to waken those who slumber,
Who have never seen the light of sun,
Invite those whose heart is burdened,
Who never knew the joy of Christmas.
To all, to all I want to make known
Where they will find the Saviour.

Like the star I want to shine out,
Brilliant rays to the furthest straights.
To proclaim God’s love
In the night-clad valleys.
Would that into all hearts descend
The light of faith and fire of love,
Guiding the steps of all nations
To where their King reposes,
So that, united at the feet of Jesus,
They greet their Saviour in the Child.

With the mother’s purest love
I would like to kneel beside the Child,
With Joseph’s faithful dedication
Care for Jesus day by day.
I would gladly offer as a crib
A heart filled with love, and there
Protect him from the wind and frost,
On a bed of straw, warm and soft.
Tenderly, I want to offer him
All my being, doing, walking, thinking,
Guide my steps, O Child, I plead.

Poems composed by Arnold Janssen 1895