Dearest Jesus, We Are Here
Dearest Jesus, we are here
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
- 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
Themes
Christ's welcome of children Baptismal faith and grace Childlike trust in Jesus Congregational devotion