Now Praise We Christ the Holy One
Now praise we Christ the Holy One
This hymn articulates the paradox of the Incarnation—the eternal Son assuming human nature while retaining divine attributes—central to Lutheran Christology. It reflects the kenotic theology of Philippians 2, emphasizing Christ's voluntary self-emptying as the foundation of salvation.
History & Background
Originally written in German by Friedrich Rückert and published in 1839. The English translation by Martin H. Behm first appeared in Lutheran hymnals in the early twentieth century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 349
- Lutheran Worship — 46
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 104
Translation
Bulletin Note
Friedrich Rückert's 1839 hymn captures Lutheran Incarnational theology in elegant Long Meter, sung to the sturdy tune GELOBET SEIST DU. Its power lies in confessing Christ's full humanity and divinity as the paradoxical source of our redemption.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's kenotic Christology—Christ's voluntary self-emptying in Philippians 2—transforms Law into Gospel by showing that God's justice and mercy meet in the Cross, where the eternal Son bears what we cannot bear.
Themes
Incarnation Christology Humiliation of Christ Divine nature Redemption