O Thou Joy-Prolific!

What: The German carol "O du fröhliche" (Oh, How Joyfully), by Johann D. Falk, is one of those carols that everyone has heard, but can't seem to remember the words to. Maybe that's because of translations like this one. This translation is a great example of trying too hard.
Who: Emanuel Cronenwett translated this in 1878 and published it in his book, "Hymns and Poems."
Changes: None
Tune: Traditional

O Thou joy-prolific!

O thou beatific!

Christ-night halo amid earth's gloom!

Lost world in Eden fell,

Born is Immanuel!

Joy! Yea, joy to thee, O Christendom.

O thou heav'nly gleaming!

Grace and gladness beaming

Christ-night halo amid earth's gloom!

God's Son is here from heav'n,

Grace, peace to us is giv'n:

Joy! Yea, joy to thee, O Christendom.

O thou heart-elating!

O thou consecrating

Christ-night halo amid earth's gloom!

Seraphs, Lord adore Thee,

Laud Thy grace and glory!

Joy! Yea, joy to thee, O Christendom.

O du fröhliche
Johann D Falk
Tr. Emanuel Cronenwett