All My Heart Sings and Rejoices
All my heart sings and rejoices
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran Christmas theology by celebrating not merely the historical birth of Christ but its soteriological significance—that in Christ's incarnation, God secures humanity's salvation and restoration. It combines objective proclamation of Christ's saving work with subjective personal rejoicing, reflecting the Lutheran emphasis on faith's appropriation of grace.
History & Background
Martin Behm, a German Lutheran pastor, composed this hymn in the early 17th century as a joyful celebration of Christ's nativity and its significance for Christian salvation. The hymn was first published in German and became widely used in Lutheran churches; Catherine Winkworth's 1863 English translation made it accessible to English-speaking congregations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 358
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 46
- Lutheran Service Book — 360
- Lutheran Worship — 39
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 77
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1557–1622) composed this hymn in 1610 during the final decade of his life. It exemplifies Lutheran theology's insistence that the incarnation accomplishes redemption—the objective work of Christ meets the subjective joy of faith.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes Lutheran Christmas proclamation: Christ's birth is not historical nostalgia but present salvation, and the Law's accusation dissolves into the pure Gospel joy that frames the believer's fitting response.
Themes
Joy in Christ's birth Salvation through the Incarnation Personal faith and celebration Divine love and grace