Oh Rejoice Ye Christians Loudly
Oh rejoice, ye Christians loudly
The hymn celebrates Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) as expressed in 2 Corinthians 8:9, emphasizing the paradox that God's Son became poor so that believers might become rich. It reflects Luther's emphasis on the Gospel of grace and the sufficiency of Christ's redemptive work for human salvation.
History & Background
Composed by Johann Herrmann in 1630 as a German Easter hymn entitled 'Freuet euch, ihr Christen alle.' The text was translated into English by Catherine Winkworth in 1863 and has become a standard Easter hymn in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 897
- Lutheran Worship — 40
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 96
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written in 1630 by Johann Herrmann, this German hymn captures the Reformation's jewel: the sufficiency of Christ's cross and resurrection for salvation, inviting believers into exuberant joy at their redemption.
Preaching Connection
This hymn gives voice to the kenosis of 2 Corinthians 8:9, allowing your congregation to sing their confession that Christ's voluntary poverty and death are the very means by which the Gospel's promise of grace becomes theirs.
Themes
Christ's incarnation and redemption Christian joy and exultation God's grace and poverty of Christ Resurrection hope Praise and thanksgiving