Now Are the Days Fulfilled
Now are the days fulfilled, O Son of God
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran Christology by celebrating Christ's assumption of human nature for human salvation, emphasizing the Gospel's centrality in Christian faith. It reflects the Reformation recovery of justification by faith through Christ's redemptive incarnation and atoning work.
History & Background
Martin Luther composed this hymn in 1524 during the early Reformation as a joyful proclamation of Christ's incarnation and redemptive work. It was first published in the Wittenberg Gesangbuch and became one of Luther's most beloved Christmas hymns, widely sung throughout Lutheran tradition.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 278
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 298
- Lutheran Service Book — 348
- Lutheran Worship — 24
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 99
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Luther, 1524. A Reformation treasure celebrating Christ's assumption of human nature for our salvation, embodying the Lutheran conviction that the incarnation itself is the Gospel's heart.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the proclamation of Law—our helplessness before sin—into the gladness of the Gospel: God's redemptive incarnation fulfills every hope and breaks every chain.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From eschatological expectation (fulfilled time, promised advent) through exultant response to divine love, to Christological petition, culminating in Trinitarian doxology
Themes
Incarnation Gospel joy Redemption through Christ God's grace Reconciliation