The Day Full of Grace
The day full of grace has come to us now
This hymn embodies Grundtvig's distinctive theology emphasizing the incarnation as the central mystery of Christian faith and the source of all grace. It reflects Lutheran sacramental theology and the joy of salvation accomplished through Christ's coming, resonating with the Christological emphasis of the Augsburg Confession.
History & Background
Written by N.F.S. Grundtvig in 1817, this Danish hymn celebrates the incarnation and the grace of Christ's coming. It was translated into English by Gracia Grindal in 1983 and has become important in Lutheran hymnody, particularly in the ELW tradition.
Hymnal Appearances
- All Creation Sings — 921
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 290
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 161
- Lutheran Service Book — 903
- Lutheran Worship — 274
Translation
Bulletin Note
Grundtvig (1783–1872), Danish bishop and hymnodist, composed this carol in 1817, embodying his theology that Christ's incarnation is Christianity's foundation and our access to God's grace made visible and tangible.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes Grundtvig's conviction that the incarnation—God's becoming flesh—is the gospel's center and the source of sacramental grace, offering a counterpoint to any preaching that reduces Christ's work to legal transaction alone.
Themes
incarnation grace God's coming in Christ liturgical joy divine love