All My Heart Again Rejoices
All my heart again rejoices as I hear, far and near, sweetest angel voices
One of the most joyful of all Christmas hymns, expressing the believer's exuberant response to the news of Christ's birth. The fifteen original stanzas cover the full scope of Christmas theology; the standard version uses five or six. The Christmas gospel is presented as the antidote to all human fear and sorrow.
History & Background
Written by Paul Gerhardt (1607-1676) as Fröhlich soll mein Herze springen in 1653. Translated into English by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878) in 1858. One of Gerhardt's greatest Christmas hymns, full of exuberant joy.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 273
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 46
- Lutheran Service Book — 360
Bulletin Note
All My Heart Again Rejoices — Paul Gerhardt, 1653
Preaching Connection
The joy of Christmas as the answer to human fear and sorrow.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From questioning suffering to confident trust in God's providential care and faithfulness
Themes
Christmas Joy Gerhardt Incarnation