Once Again My Heart Rejoices
Once again my heart rejoices
The hymn exemplifies Lutheran emphasis on Christ's incarnation as the foundation of individual salvation and personal joy in faith. It connects the nativity event to present-day personal experience of grace, reflecting the Lutheran understanding that Christ's birth directly impacts the believer's spiritual reality.
History & Background
Written by Martin Behm in 1610 as a German Christmas hymn titled "Froehlich soll mein Herze springen." Catherine Winkworth's English translation appeared in her 1863 collection, becoming the standard English version for Lutheran and broader Protestant hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 279
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 46
- Lutheran Service Book — 360
- Lutheran Worship — 39
- Trinity Hymnal — 225
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 77
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm's 1610 hymn connects the nativity directly to personal salvation. Its sturdy meter and tune embody Lutheran theology: Christ's birth is not sentiment but the incarnate Word addressing each believer's need for grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn moves from the Law's exposure of human need to the Gospel's complete answer in incarnation, making it a powerful liturgical echo of any sermon proclaiming that Christ's birth is God's decisive yes to sinners.
Themes
Joy in Christ's incarnation Personal faith response Nativity celebration Redemption through Christ