Es kommt ein Schiff geladen [English translation]

There comes a galley, laden

up to the highest board,

she bears a heav'nly burthen,

the Father's eterne Word.

She saileth on in silence,

her freight of value vast,

with Charity for mailsail,

and Holy Ghost for mast.

The ship has dropt her anchor,

is safely come to land.

The Word eterne, in likeness

of man, on earth doth stand.

At Bethlem in a stable

to save the world forlorn,

o bless Him for His mercy,

our Saviour Christ is born.

And whosoe'er with gladness

would kiss Him and adore,

must first endure with Jesus

great pain and anguish sore.

Must die with Him moreover

and rise in flesh again,

to win that life eternal,

which doth to Christ pertain.