The day wishes to annihilate us,
It grows dark round about on the earth;
That which bloomed, grew leaves, sprouted,
Has perished in snow and frost.

Night edges up upon night in a throng,
The sickly day grows anxious,
As if now e'en the sun had 
Paled and gone far out of reach.

Ah Lord, we miss the light
On the evening of judgement!
Whether one slept, whether one watched,
Here tonight he must founder.

Must fall and perish,
Would have to die eternally
If Thou Thyself hadst not promised
A gleaming from the firmament:

The comfort that our forebears
Expected, Thy prayerful ones,
That He would cleave the night
With news of salvation.

Ignite it anew, Lord,
So that our hearts may rejoice,
Send the herald before the turning,
The star, the guide,

Who would speak: This year of punishment
And of judgement goes to sleep.
I come to invite you
Into the new year full of mercy.