"Dearest Jesus, We Are Here"
                        by Benjamin Schmolck, 1672-1737
                 Translated by Catherine Winkworth, 1829-1878
                                  Text From:
                      THE HANDBOOK TO THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
              (St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1942)p.215



        1. Dearest Jesus, we are here,
        Gladly Thy command obeying;
        With this child we now draw near
        In accord with Thine own saying
        That to Thee it shall be given
        As a child and heir of heaven.

        2. Yea, Thy word is clear and plain,
        And we would obey it duly:
        "He who is not born again,
        Heart and life renewing truly,
        Born of water and the Spirit,
        Can My kingdom not inherit."

        3. Therefore hasten we to Thee,
        In our arms this infant bearing;
        Let us here Thy glory see
        Let this child, Thy mercy sharing,
        In Thine arms be shielded ever,
        Thine on earth and Thine forever.

        4. Gracious Head, Thy member own;
        Shepherd, take Thy lamb and feed it;
        Prince of Peace, make here Thy throne;
        Way of Life, to heaven lead it;
        Precious Vine, let nothing sever
        From Thy side this branch forever.

        5. Now into Thy heart we pour
        Prayers that from our hearts proceeded.
        Our petitions heavenward soar;
        May our warm desires be heeded!
        Write the name we now have given,
        Write it in the book of heaven.

        

        Notes:
        Hymn #300 from _The Handbook to the Lutheran Hymnal_
        Text: Mark 10:13-16
        Author: Benjamin Schmolck, 1704, cento
        Translated by: Catherine Winkworth, 1863, alt.
        Titled: "Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier"
        Composer: Johann R. Ahle, 1664
        Tune: "Liebster Jesu"