“O God, You make this most holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light.  Grant that as we have known the mysteries of that Light on earth we may also come to the fullness of His joys in heaven; through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy  Spirit, one God, now and forever” (Collect for Christmas Midnight, from The Lutheran Service Book).

Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light
And usher in the morning
Ye shepherds, shrink not with affright
The day of grace is dawning
This Child, though weak in infancy
Our confidence and joy shall be
The power of Satan breaking
Our peace with God now making.

O dearest Child, whom I adore
Whose grace surpasses measure
My Brother, whom I cherish more
Than earth with all its treasure
Haste from Thy manger to depart
O come and dwell within my heart
With joy will I receive Thee
A cradle there will give Thee.

All blessing, thanks and praise to Thee
Lord Jesus Christ be given
Thou hast my Brother deigned to be
Thou Lord of earth and heaven
Help me through out this day of grace
To praise Thy love and seek Thy face
And when I stand before Thee
Forever to adore Thee.

Text: Johann Rist; this translation ©1973 Openbook Publishers, in The Lutheran Hymnal (Australia).

The one deigns not only to be my Brother but my Redeemer grants me life despite my sin. For that, I must praise Him!