Once He Came in Blessing
Once He came in blessing, all our ills redressing
This hymn presents Christ's incarnation and anticipated return as the fulfillment of messianic prophecy, emphasizing the comfort and hope believers find in His dual coming. It reflects Lutheran soteriology by connecting Old Testament promises with New Testament fulfillment and the eschatological hope of believers.
History & Background
Paul Gerhardt composed this hymn in 1653 as part of his extensive hymnodic output during the Thirty Years' War period in Germany. The text was first translated into English by John C. Mahood in 1966 and has been included in major Lutheran hymnals since.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 337
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 312
- Lutheran Service Book — 333
- Lutheran Worship — 30
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 74
Translation
Bulletin Note
Paul Gerhardt (1653) wrote this Advent hymn connecting Old Testament messianic promise with New Testament incarnation and future return. A cornerstone of Lutheran Advent tradition celebrating Christ's dual coming.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel tension by naming human affliction and need, then proclaiming Christ as the answer in both advents, making it a powerful companion to any sermon on promise and fulfillment.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's first advent in grace → bestowal of saving grace → Christ's second advent in judgment → urgent call to repentance and welcome
Themes
Christ's advent and return Redemption and healing Second Coming Divine mercy Messianic fulfillment