Comfort Comfort All My People
Comfort, comfort all my people
The hymn embodies Lutheran soteriology by proclaiming Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises and the grounds of comfort in divine forgiveness. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on justification by faith as the source of the believer's peace and confidence.
History & Background
Johannes Olearius composed this German hymn in 1661 as a paraphrase of Isaiah 40:1-8, drawing on the Genevan Psalter melody. Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1863 Chorale Book for England, becoming standard in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 106
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 29
- Lutheran Service Book — 347
- Lutheran Worship — 28
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 61
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Lutheran pastor Johannes Olearius in 1661, this hymn adapts Isaiah 40 to declare Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament comfort. Its soaring melody lifts the promise of divine pardon into the congregation's voice.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the law's condemnation into gospel proclamation by anchoring the believer's entire confidence in Christ's sufficient redemption rather than personal righteousness.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law's accusation answered by Gospel promise: God's absolute pardon and Christ's sufficient redemption transform mourning into comfort and restore creation's proper order
Themes
God's comfort and consolation Forgiveness of sins Advent hope Divine mercy Eschatological promise