Rejoice, My Heart, Be Glad and Sing
Rejoice, my heart, be glad and sing
The hymn embodies Lutheran theology's emphasis on justification by faith, expressing the believer's joyful confidence in God's protective care and salvation. It reflects the Lutheran understanding of how Gospel grace produces genuine Christian gladness and trust despite life's troubles.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as part of Lutheran devotional poetry. Catherine Winkworth's 1863 English translation became the standard rendering for English-speaking Lutheran churches.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 719
- Glory to God — 299
- Lutheran Service Book — 737
- Lutheran Worship — 424
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 535
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1610) crafted this hymn as an expression of Lutheran theology's central claim: the Gospel of Christ's salvation awakens genuine Christian gladness and unshakeable trust in God's providence.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies justification by faith as lived experience—showing how the Gospel's proclamation of God's saving grace produces the heart's spontaneous, obedient joy despite the Law's exposure of our trouble.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From proclamation of Christ's victory, through affirmation of resurrection life, to universal redemption, concluding with God's embracing grace transforming the believer's response to joyful praise
Themes
Joy in Christ Trust in God's protection Heart's rejoicing Faith's assurance God's faithfulness