Hail the Day So Rich in Grace
Hail the day so rich in grace
The hymn celebrates the Incarnation as God's supreme act of grace, emphasizing the paradox of the infinite God becoming finite in Christ. It reflects Luther's emphasis on God's merciful condescension and the unmerited nature of salvation through Christ's birth and work.
History & Background
This hymn was written by Martin Luther, likely for Christmas observance around 1535. It was included in Lutheran hymnals and later translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in her influential collection of Lutheran hymn translations.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 23
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 78
Translation
Bulletin Note
Luther's 1535 hymn on the Incarnation. This text celebrates God's paradoxical grace—the infinite becoming finite—and remains a cornerstone of Lutheran Christmas theology emphasizing divine mercy over human merit.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies pure Gospel proclamation of God's merciful condescension in the Incarnation, making it ideal for amplifying sermons on grace's sovereignty, Christ's humiliation, or the unmerited nature of salvation through His birth and work.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law's condemnation → Gospel's grace → Christ's redemption → Faith's assurance
Themes
The Incarnation God's grace and mercy The Savior's birth Joy in redemption Divine condescension