Das alte Jahr vergangen ist* Original Tune

In case anyone is interested in using the original tune for "The Old Year Now Hath Passed Away" for the office of New Year's Eve or New Year's Day (not to be confused with the Feast of the Circumcision), here it is in a setting by Layriz, along with the text as translated by Winkworth, which is in the public domain.

THE OLD year now hath passed away; 

We thank Thee, O our God, today 

That Thou hast kept us through the year 

When danger and distress were near.

2. We pray Thee, O eternal Son, 

Who with the Father reign’st as One, 

To guard and rule Thy Christendom 

Through all the ages yet to come.

3. Take not Thy saving Word away, 

Our souls’ true comfort, staff, and stay. 

Abide with us and keep us free 

From errors, following only Thee.

4. Oh, help us to forsake all sin, 

A new and holier course begin! 

Mark not what once was done amiss; 

A happier, better year be this,

5. Wherein as Christians we may live 

Or die in peace that 

Thou canst give, 

To rise again when Thou shalt come 

And enter Thine eternal home.

6. There shall we thank Thee and adore 

With all the angels evermore. 

Lord Jesus Christ, increase our faith 

To praise Thy Name through life and death.

—J. Steuerlein, 1588; tr. C. Winkworth, 1863.