Comfort Comfort These My People
Comfort, comfort now my people
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
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
Themes
Comfort in Christ Forgiveness and pardon Gospel proclamation Divine mercy Messianic hope