All My Heart This Night Rejoices
All my heart this night rejoices
All My Heart This Night Rejoices is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1610) in 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in ch95 166, elw 278, gtg 113, lbw 46.
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.
Background Research
Gerhardt, 'Fröhlich soll mein Herze springen', 15 stanzas originally, printed in Crüger's Praxis pietatis melica (1653). Crüger wrote the first tune. The preferred tune is by Johann Georg Ebeling, Crüger's successor at St Nicholas, Berlin, from his 1666–67 edition of Gerhardt's songs, the first complete edition. Bach used the Ebeling melody in the Christmas Oratorio and Passions (which movement is not yet checked), linking the birth to the Passion (Grindal). The original stanzas 'He becomes a servant; I become a lord' and 'He lies in the manger, I in heaven' make a rich exchange of Christ's poverty for our wealth (2 Cor 8:9), worth noting in analysis if TLH keeps them. Winkworth's Lyra Germanica (1858) version was so loved that the LBW committee in the 1970s found it hard to improve on. Grindal notes that cutting from 15 to 7 stanzas lost theological connections.
Sources: Hymn for the Day (Gracia Grindal); bach-cantatas.com.
Overview
Gerhardt's great Christmas hymn, full of Gospel comfort. It hears the angels (st. 1), proclaims the Conqueror who overthrows sin, death, and hell (st. 2), argues from the gift of the Son that God cannot be against us (st. 3-5, a sustained argument from Rom 8:32), names the child as the Lamb who atones (st. 6), hears his voice calling the troubled (st. 7-11), and responds with personal faith: receiving him, freed from guilt, clothed in his righteousness, and holding him in death (st. 12-15). It is one of the most doctrinally rich Christmas hymns ever written.
Central theme: The Christmas child as proof that God loves sinners, the Lamb who removes guilt, and the believer's treasure
Structure
Angels (1); Conqueror (2); argument from God's gift (3-5); the Lamb (6); invitations to the troubled (7-11); faith's response (12-15).
Law & Gospel Shape
Gospel throughout; fear of 'God's displeasure' (st. 3) and the 'poisoned wound' of sin (st. 10) are answered.
Confessional Connections
Justification and imputed righteousness (st. 13-14: 'Righteous robes receiving'); the incarnation for redemption (AC III); assurance against the terrified conscience.
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Christmas Eve and Day; Christmas season (selected stanzas).
Historical Notes
Published 1653 in Crüger's 'Praxis Pietatis Melica.' Winkworth, 'Lyra Germanica' (1858).
About the Tune
FRÖHLICH SOLL MEIN HERZE SPRINGEN (Johann Crüger, 1653).
Scripture References
Luke 2:10-14 Heb 2:14-15 Rom 8:31-32 John 3:16 John 1:29 Matt 11:28 Isa 55:1 2 Cor 5:21 Isa 61:10 John 11:25-26
Stanza by Stanza
My whole heart rejoices tonight as I hear sweet angel voices everywhere; their choirs sing 'Christ is born' until the air rings with joy everywhere.
Luke 2:13-14. Christmas begins with hearing the angels' Gospel. 'All my heart' — joy of the whole person.
- Scripture
- Luke 2:10-14, Ps 98:4
- Imagery & language
- Angel voices; ringing air.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel announcement.
- Connection to previous
- Angels.
Today the Conqueror goes out to overthrow sin, sorrow, death, and hell; God becomes man to save man; his Son is now united with our flesh and blood forever.
Christmas as the start of the battle: Christ the Conqueror (Gen 3:15; 1 John 3:8). 'God is man, man to deliver' — the purpose of the incarnation (Heb 2:14-15). 'One with our blood forever' — the incarnation is permanent; Christ remains man forever (FC VIII).
- Scripture
- Gen 3:15, 1 John 3:8, Heb 2:14-15, John 1:14
- Imagery & language
- Conqueror; overthrow; blood.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — Christus Victor.
- Connection to previous
- The Conqueror.
Should we still fear God's anger, when he freely gave his most cherished treasure to save us — his own Son from his throne in heaven?
Gerhardt's argument for the terrified conscience: God's gift of the Son proves his favor (Rom 8:31-32; John 3:16). The question form invites the anxious to draw the conclusion themselves. This is pure Gospel aimed at Anfechtung.
- Scripture
- Rom 8:31-32, John 3:16, 1 John 4:9-10
- Imagery & language
- Displeasure; cherished treasure.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — God's favor proved.
- Connection to previous
- No more dread.
Would he who gave himself hold anything back from his flock and leave us brokenhearted? Would the Son of God not love us, who left his heavenly throne to comfort sufferers here?
Continuing the Rom 8:32 argument: 'how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?' Christ left his throne (Phil 2:6-7) 'to cheer sufferers.'
- Scripture
- Rom 8:32, Phil 2:6-7, John 10:11
- Imagery & language
- Withholding; throne left.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — argument from the gift.
- Connection to previous
- Would he withhold?
If our Lord and Maker hated humanity, would he become flesh? If he enjoyed our misery, would he bear the cares of our darkened race?
The argument completed: the incarnation itself refutes the fear that God hates us. The Maker becomes partaker of flesh (Heb 2:14). Christ bearing our care (Isa 53:4; 1 Pet 5:7).
- Scripture
- Heb 2:14, Isa 53:4, 1 Pet 5:7
- Imagery & language
- Maker; flesh; benighted race.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — incarnation as proof of love.
- Connection to previous
- Would he become flesh?
He becomes the Lamb who takes away sin and makes full atonement forever; he gives his life for ours, and by his grace makes our race fit for glory.
John 1:29. The Christmas child is the sacrificial Lamb; the manger points to the cross. 'Full atonement' (Heb 10:14). 'For our life His own He tenders' (John 10:11). 'Meet for glory' (Col 1:12).
- Scripture
- John 1:29, Heb 10:14, John 10:11, Col 1:12
- Imagery & language
- Lamb; atonement; glory.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — atonement.
- Connection to previous
- The Lamb.
Listen to a soft, sweet voice from the manger pleading: 'Flee from sorrow and danger; brothers, you are freed from all the ills that grieve you; I will surely give you all you need.'
The infant 'speaks' the Gospel invitation. 'Brethren' (Heb 2:11-12). 'You are freed' — the Gospel announces a completed freedom (John 8:36). 'All you need I will surely give' (Phil 4:19).
- Scripture
- Heb 2:11-12, John 8:36, Phil 4:19, Matt 11:28
- Imagery & language
- Voice from the manger.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — invitation.
- Connection to previous
- The manger's voice.
Come, everyone, great and small, banish sadness and come with glad songs; love him who glows with love; hail the Star who gives light and joy everywhere.
Joy for all (Luke 2:10). 'Love Him who with love is glowing' (1 John 4:19). 'The Star' (Num 24:17; Rev 22:16).
- Scripture
- Luke 2:10, 1 John 4:19, Num 24:17, Rev 22:16
- Imagery & language
- Banished sadness; star.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — joy.
- Connection to previous
- Joy for all.
You whose suffering had no limit, weep no more; see the door to heavenly joy; cling to him, for he will lead you where no cross, pain, or loss can touch you again.
Comfort for the deeply afflicted (Isa 61:2-3; Rev 7:17). 'The door' (John 10:9). 'Cling to Him' — faith. The heavenly future without cross or pain (Rev 21:4).
- Scripture
- Isa 61:2-3, Rev 7:17, John 10:9, Rev 21:4
- Imagery & language
- Measureless anguish; door.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — comfort.
- Connection to previous
- To the anguished.
Come here, you heavy-hearted who have long suffered inwardly because of sin; for the poisoned wound you feel, help is near — one is here mighty to heal.
Matt 11:28. 'The poisoned wound' — sin as the serpent's bite (Num 21:6-9; John 3:14-15): the Christ child is the remedy raised up for the bitten. 'Mighty for their healing' (Isa 53:5).
- Scripture
- Matt 11:28, Num 21:6-9, John 3:14-15, Isa 53:5
- Imagery & language
- Heavy hearts; poisoned wound; healing.
- Law / Gospel
- Law (sin's wound) and Gospel (healing).
- Connection to previous
- To the guilty.
Come, poor and wretched people; know that his will is to fill every outstretched hand; here are riches without measure; forget all regret and fill your hearts with treasure.
Isa 55:1 ('Come, buy… without money'). 'Every hand outstretched' — the empty hand of faith. 'Riches without measure' (Eph 2:7; 3:8). The Gospel for the poor in spirit (Matt 5:3).
- Scripture
- Isa 55:1, Eph 2:7, Eph 3:8, Matt 5:3
- Imagery & language
- Outstretched hands; riches.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — riches for the poor.
- Connection to previous
- To the poor.
Let me take you in my arms and rest on your chest, Savior, never to leave you; since you have given yourself to me, I will be content forever.
Like Simeon taking the child in his arms (Luke 2:28). Faith receives Christ as a gift: 'Thou hast Thyself presented / Now to me.' Contentment (Phil 4:11; Ps 73:25).
- Scripture
- Luke 2:28-30, John 13:23, Phil 4:11, Ps 73:25
- Imagery & language
- Arms; breast; contentment.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — receiving Christ.
- Connection to previous
- Receiving him.
Guilt can no longer distress me; Son of God, you carry my load to free me; you find no stain in me; I am clean, all my sin removed forever.
Justification stated personally. 'Thou my load / Bearest' (Isa 53:4-6; 1 Pet 2:24). 'Stain in me Thou findest never; / I am clean' — not because the believer is sinless in himself but because God sees him in Christ (Rom 8:1; Eph 5:27; Col 1:22). 'All my sin / Is removed forever' (Ps 103:12).
- Scripture
- Isa 53:4-6, 1 Pet 2:24, Rom 8:1, Col 1:22, Ps 103:12
- Imagery & language
- Load borne; no stain; clean.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — justification.
- Connection to previous
- Guilt removed.
Believing in you, I am pure, always receiving robes of righteousness from your store; I will hold you in my heart like a rare treasure, lovingly forever.
'Pure, in Thee believing' — righteousness by faith (Rom 3:22; Phil 3:9). 'Righteous robes receiving' (Isa 61:10; Rev 19:8) — imputed righteousness as clothing. 'Evermore' — continual reception. Christ as heart's treasure (Matt 13:44).
- Scripture
- Rom 3:22, Phil 3:9, Isa 61:10, Rev 19:8, Matt 13:44
- Imagery & language
- Purity by faith; righteous robes; treasure.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — imputed righteousness.
- Connection to previous
- Righteous robes.
Dearest Lord, I will cherish you; though my breath fails in death, I will not perish but stay with you forever on high in a joy that can never end.
John 3:16 ('should not perish'); John 11:25-26. The Christmas hymn ends at the deathbed, where the child of Bethlehem is the believer's life. 'Joy which can vanish never' (John 16:22).
- Scripture
- John 3:16, John 11:25-26, John 16:22, Phil 1:23
- Imagery & language
- Failing breath; abiding joy.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — eternal life.
- Connection to previous
- In death.
Themes
incarnation Christ's birth joy and rejoicing faith and trust redemption