Dearest Jesus, We Are Here
Dearest Jesus, we are here
Dearest Jesus, We Are Here is a hymn text by Tobias Clausnitzer (1663) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Catherine Winkworth. Found in CW21 648, CW93 295, ELH 244, elw 708. Sung to LIEBSTER JESU.
The hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of baptismal grace and the gift of salvation received through faith in Christ, reflecting the theology of the Small Catechism's explanation of Holy Baptism. It embodies the doctrine of justification by faith as the foundation for approaching Jesus with childlike confidence and trust.
History & Background
Written by Tobias Clausnitzer, a German Lutheran pastor, in 1663, originally titled "Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier." The hymn was first published in Clausnitzer's collection and became widely used in German Lutheran worship, later translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in the mid-19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship: Hymnal — 648
- Christian Worship — 295
- Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary — 244
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 708
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 187
- Lutheran Service Book — 592
- Lutheran Worship — 226
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 300
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Tobias Clausnitzer in 1663, this hymn reflects Lutheran catechetical teaching on baptismal grace. It remains a touchstone for understanding how the baptized approach Christ with confidence grounded in His mercy, not their merit.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement perfectly: it names human sinfulness and inadequacy before Jesus, then pivots to proclaim His joyful, unconditional acceptance—the very rhythm of justification by faith alone.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Definition & Command of Baptism Small Catechism — Holy Baptism
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from the demand of belief and baptism, through Christ's redemptive work and Spirit-empowered perseverance, to doxological assurance of eternal inheritance
Background Research
Benjamin Schmolck's 'Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier' (baptism), from his Heilige Flammen (1704), seven stanzas, headed 'Gute Gedanken der Paten': a baptism hymn written for the godparents. Shares its first line with Clausnitzer's Word hymn (TLH 16). Still in Germany's EG (206), minus sts. 4-5. Sung to Ahle's LIEBSTER JESU. From memory: Schmolck was pastor of the Peace Church at Schweidnitz, Silesia. Source: Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the three-year series
- Epiphany 4 (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.
Overview
A hymn for the Baptism of an infant, sung as the child is brought to the font. It grounds infant Baptism in Christ's command and his welcome of children (st. 1), in the necessity of new birth by water and the Spirit (st. 2), asks Christ to receive and shield the child (st. 3), names Christ as Head, Shepherd, Prince, Way, and Vine to the newly baptized (st. 4), and asks that the child's name be written in the book of life (st. 5). It is a sung catechism on Baptism.
Central theme: Bringing an infant to Christ in Baptism, trusting his command and promise of new birth
Structure
Obedience to Christ's word (1); necessity of new birth (2); prayer for the child (3); Christ's titles (4); name in the book of life (5).
Law & Gospel Shape
Law in st. 2 (no one enters the kingdom without new birth); Gospel in the command and promise that bring the child to Christ.
Confessional Connections
AC IX: Baptism is necessary for salvation and children are to be baptized. Small Catechism: Baptism 'works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation.' Large Catechism IV on infant Baptism.
Liturgical Use (Study Notes)
Holy Baptism; Baptism of Our Lord; Sundays with Mark 10:13-16.
Historical Notes
Schmolck (1672-1737), pastor in Schweidnitz, Silesia. Published 1704. Not to be confused with Clausnitzer's 'Blessed Jesus, at Thy Word' (same German opening, same tune).
About the Tune
LIEBSTER JESU, WIR SIND HIER (Johann R. Ahle, 1664).
Scripture References
Mark 10:13-16 John 3:5 Matt 28:19 Titus 3:5 Eph 5:23 John 10:11 John 15:5 Rev 20:12, 15 Luke 10:20
Stanza by Stanza
Dearest Jesus, we are here, gladly obeying your command; we bring this child to you, according to your own word that the kingdom belongs to such as a child and heir of heaven.
Infant Baptism is grounded in obedience to Christ's command (Matt 28:19, 'baptizing… all nations') and his words about children (Mark 10:14, 'to such belongs the kingdom of God'). 'In accord with Thine own saying' — the Lutheran practice rests on the Word, not custom. The child is to be 'a child and heir of heaven' — Baptism gives adoption and inheritance (Gal 3:26-29; 4:7).
- Scripture
- Matt 28:19, Mark 10:13-16, Gal 3:26-29, Gal 4:7, Acts 2:38-39
- Imagery & language
- Drawing near; child and heir.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — obedience to Christ's command and promise.
- Connection to previous
- Opening approach.
Christ's word is clear: no one who is not born again of water and the Spirit can inherit his kingdom.
John 3:5 quoted: 'unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.' This applies to infants as well: they too are born in sin (Ps 51:5; John 3:6, 'that which is born of the flesh is flesh') and need new birth. Baptism is the 'washing of regeneration' (Titus 3:5). Lutherans read John 3:5 sacramentally, against those who deny that Baptism actually regenerates.
- Scripture
- John 3:3-6, Titus 3:5, Ps 51:5, Eph 2:3
- Imagery & language
- Water and Spirit; new birth.
- Law / Gospel
- Law (necessity of new birth) pointing to Gospel (Baptism gives it).
- Connection to previous
- Gives the reason for coming.
So we hurry to you carrying this infant; let us see your glory; let this child share your mercy, be shielded forever in your arms, yours on earth and forever.
The parents and sponsors carry the child as the parents did in Mark 10:13. 'In Thine arms' — Jesus 'took them in his arms and blessed them' (Mark 10:16). 'Shielded ever' — protection from the devil (Small Catechism: Baptism 'rescues from death and the devil'). 'Thine on earth and Thine forever' — Baptism begins a lifelong and eternal belonging.
- Scripture
- Mark 10:13-16, Isa 40:11, Rom 6:3-4, John 10:28
- Imagery & language
- Carrying an infant; arms of Christ.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — mercy and protection.
- Connection to previous
- Petition for the child.
Christ, gracious Head, is asked to claim this member; Shepherd, take and feed this lamb; Prince of Peace, reign here; Way of Life, lead it to heaven; Vine, let nothing ever separate this branch from you.
A litany of titles, each matched to a baptismal benefit: Head and member (1 Cor 12:13, 'in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body'; Eph 5:23); Shepherd and lamb (John 10:11; 21:15, 'Feed my lambs'); Prince of Peace enthroned in the heart (Isa 9:6); Way leading to heaven (John 14:6); Vine and branch (John 15:5). The last petition, 'let nothing sever,' asks for perseverance in baptismal grace.
- Scripture
- 1 Cor 12:13, Eph 5:23, John 10:11, John 21:15, Isa 9:6, John 14:6, John 15:4-5
- Imagery & language
- Head and member; shepherd and lamb; vine and branch.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — union with Christ.
- Connection to previous
- The baptized child's new relationship to Christ.
We pour heartfelt prayers into Christ's heart; may our petitions rise and be heard; write the name we have given in the book of heaven.
The child is named at Baptism ('the name we now have given'), and the church prays that this name be written in 'the book of heaven' — the book of life (Luke 10:20; Phil 4:3; Rev 20:15). In Baptism God names and claims the child (Isa 43:1, 'I have called you by name, you are mine').
- Scripture
- Luke 10:20, Phil 4:3, Rev 20:12, 15, Isa 43:1, Matt 28:19
- Imagery & language
- Prayers poured out; book of heaven.
- Law / Gospel
- Gospel — prayer and promise.
- Connection to previous
- Closing prayer.
Themes
Christ's welcome of children Baptismal faith and grace Childlike trust in Jesus Congregational devotion