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Comfort Comfort These My People

Comfort, comfort now my people

Comfort Comfort These My People is a hymn text by Johannes Olearius (1661) in 8.7.8.7.8.8.7 meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in elw 108, lbw 29, lsb 347, lw 28. Sung to FREU DICH SEHR.

The hymn embodies the Reformation's emphasis on the proclamation of the Gospel as comfort and pardon through Christ, reflecting Lutheran soteriology. It expresses the assurance of God's mercy and the forgiveness central to Lutheran faith, particularly during the penitential season of Advent.

History & Background

Written by German pastor Johannes Olearius in 1661, the hymn was first published in his 'Geistliche Singe-Kunst.' Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in 1863 in 'Lyra Germanica' and has become standard in Lutheran hymnals.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 108
  • Lutheran Book of Worship — 29
  • Lutheran Service Book — 347
  • Lutheran Worship — 28
  • The Lutheran Hymnal — 61

Translation

Catherine Winkworth

Bulletin Note

Written by Johannes Olearius in 1661, this Reformation hymn captures the Lutheran conviction that the Word of God brings both judgment and mercy, wilderness and comfort, preparing hearts for Christ's coming.

Preaching Connection

This hymn illuminates how the law's demand for repentance in the wilderness moves seamlessly into the Gospel's proclamation of full forgiveness and reconciliation through the cross—a pattern essential to Lutheran preaching.

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

In the Church Year

Suggested in the one-year series

  • Advent 3 (6×)
  • Nativity of St. John the Baptist (2×)
  • Advent 4 (1×)

Suggested in the three-year series

  • Advent 2 (6×)
  • Advent 3 (6×)
  • Proper 9 (1×)

From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.

Themes

Comfort in Christ Forgiveness and pardon Gospel proclamation Divine mercy Messianic hope

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