Now Greet the Swiftly Changing Year
Now greet the swiftly changing year
The hymn reflects Lutheran confidence in divine providence and the rhythms of creation as manifestations of God's sustaining power, connecting temporal change with eternal purposes. It embodies the Reformed understanding that Christians greet each new year with gratitude for God's continuous blessings while acknowledging human dependence on divine mercy.
History & Background
Originally written in German by Rückert as 'Nun laßt uns gehn und treten,' this text was translated into English by Charles P. Krauth in 1873 and has become a standard New Year hymn in Lutheran hymnals. The hymn was included in various Lutheran hymnals beginning in the late 19th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 892
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 181
- Lutheran Service Book — 896
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 96
- Lutheran Worship — 183
- Voices Together — 259
Translation
Bulletin Note
Friedrich Rückert (1788–1866), a German Romantic poet, crafted this New Year hymn in 1840. Its steady long-meter melody and confident theology have made it essential to Lutheran worship, particularly at Reformation and the turning of seasons.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's exposure of human frailty and sin into an occasion for the Gospel's proclamation of God's eternal faithfulness—each new year becomes a tangible sign of justification by grace alone.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From God's creative inscription of divine worth in creation, through the Church's faithful stewardship of Scripture, to eschatological fulfillment when believers transcend letter for direct vision of God's glory
Themes
God's providence New beginnings Gratitude for God's blessings Covenant faithfulness