He Whose Praise the Shepherds Sounded
He whose praise the shepherds sounded
The hymn reinforces Lutheran understanding of Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the central subject of Scripture, as articulated in the Apology of the Augsburg Confession. It demonstrates how the Gospel revealed to humble shepherds manifests God's gracious election and the accessibility of salvation to all people regardless of social status.
History & Background
This hymn originates from early Lutheran German hymn traditions of the 16th-17th century, reflecting the pastoral nativity narrative. The English translation and adaptation appeared in 19th-century Lutheran hymnals, particularly in American Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 65
- Lutheran Service Book — 380
- Lutheran Worship — 65
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 97
Translation
Bulletin Note
From the German carol tradition circa 1600, this hymn exalts Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Its sturdy Long Meter pairs with the robust tune Lobt Gott, creating a confession of Christ's centrality to all Scripture.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully illustrates how the Gospel of Christ's humble birth overturns human expectation—He comes to sinners and shepherds, not to the righteous, embodying God's gracious election and mercy that the Law alone could never accomplish.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Christ's humble incarnation witnessed by shepherds and cosmos, through his revelation to the nations as divine light, to his eternal kingship and glory
Themes
Nativity of Christ Shepherds' witness Gospel proclamation Joy in salvation Christological revelation