All My Heart This Night Rejoices
All my heart this night rejoices
The hymn expresses the Lutheran joy in Christ's incarnation as God's redemptive gift to sinful humanity, emphasizing both the wonder of the nativity and personal faith response. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the Gospel of Christ's birth as comfort and salvation for the believer.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German Christmas hymn around 1610 as 'Von Herzen will ich singen.' Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in 1863, becoming one of the most beloved Christmas hymns in the English-speaking Lutheran tradition.
Hymnal Appearances
- Chalice Hymnal — 166
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 278
- Glory to God — 113
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 46
- Lutheran Service Book — 360
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 82
- Lutheran Worship — 39
- Trinity Hymnal — 163
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 77
- Voices Together — 227
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Behm in 1610, this Christmas hymn reflects deep Lutheran piety, pairing Behm's German verse with the beloved tune 'Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring' to unite doctrine and devotion.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement perfectly: it acknowledges human sinfulness and unworthiness, then proclaims Christ's birth as God's answer—making it a powerful liturgical response to the preaching of judgment and grace.
Themes
incarnation Christ's birth joy and rejoicing faith and trust redemption