At the Lamb's High Feast We Sing
At the Lamb's high feast we sing
This hymn celebrates the Paschal Mystery through the lens of the Exodus passover narrative, emphasizing Christ as the true Lamb whose sacrifice redeems all believers. The text embodies Luther's understanding of Christological fulfillment of Old Testament types and the eschatological hope of eternal fellowship with God.
History & Background
Originally published in German as 'Wir Gläubigen alle' in Nicolai's Freuden-Spiegel (1599). Catherine Winkworth's English translation first appeared in her Lyra Germanica (1863) and has become the standard English version.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 362
- The Hymnal 1982 — 174
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 210
- Lutheran Service Book — 633
- Lutheran Worship — 126
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Phillip Nicolai in 1599, this Easter hymn reads the Old Testament Passover as a prophetic shadow of Christ's sacrifice. It marries Luther's typological theology with joyful, congregational song for all seasons.
Preaching Connection
This hymn proclaims Law and Gospel in one image: the Passover's judgment on sin answered by the Lamb's atoning blood, inviting the sermon to move from our bondage to our freedom in Christ's risen life.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (divine majesty and power) → Gospel (providence, mercy, sustenance) → Gospel (daily goodness) → Gospel (communal adoration and response)
Themes
Paschal victory Eucharistic celebration Redemption through Christ's sacrifice Eschatological joy