The Night Will Soon Be Ending
The night will soon be ending
The hymn embodies Lutheran emphasis on justified watchfulness—not as works-righteousness but as grateful response to salvation. It connects personal spiritual vigilance with the broader Lutheran eschatological hope in Christ's return.
History & Background
Christian Keimann composed this German hymn in 1657, rooted in Reformation-era meditation on watchfulness and Christ's return. The English translation by John C. Marayner first appeared in Lutheran hymnals in the 1980s, gaining prominence in LSB.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 337
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Christian Keimann in 1657, this hymn crystallizes Lutheran eschatological hope: believers watch not through self-effort but as a grateful response to justification, trusting Christ's promised return.
Preaching Connection
This hymn transforms the Law's call to watchfulness into Gospel comfort—our alertness springs not from fear of judgment but from the sure hope that darkness yields to Christ's victorious return.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- Of Justification Augsburg Confession
Themes
Christ's return Vigilance and readiness Hope in darkness Eschatology Morning watch