Now Hail the Day So Rich in Cheer
Now hail the day so rich in cheer
This hymn celebrates the Incarnation as God's gracious response to human sin and need, emphasizing the joy of redemption through Christ's birth. It reflects Lutheran theology of justification by grace through Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament promises.
History & Background
Luther wrote this carol as 'Nun freut euch, lieben Christen gmein' around 1535 for Christmas celebration. It was first published in Wittenberg and became one of Luther's most beloved Christmas hymns in German Protestantism.
Hymnal Appearances
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 78
Translation
Bulletin Note
Composed by Martin Luther in 1535, this hymn reflects his deep conviction that the Incarnation fulfills God's Old Testament promises and answers human sin through grace—not merit—in Christ's birth.
Preaching Connection
This Luther hymn crystallizes the Law-Gospel movement: it strips away human pretense before God's holiness, then explodes with unearned joy in Christ's redeeming birth, making it a perfect companion to sermons on justification by grace alone.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: human sinfulness and bondage under Satan → God's mercy in Christ → Christ's substitutionary atonement → faith's response and eschatological hope
Themes
Incarnation Christ's birth Joy in salvation Divine mercy Promise fulfilled