The Night Will Soon Be Ending
The night will soon be ending
The Night Will Soon Be Ending is a hymn text by Christian Keimann (1657) in 8.8.7.8.8.7 meter. Translated by John C. Marayner. Found in CWS 705, hs98 806, lsb 337.
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
- Christian Worship: Supplement — 705
- Hymnal Supplement 98 — 806
- 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
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Advent 2 (1×)
- Advent 4 (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Proper 28 (2×)
- Advent 2 (1×)
- Advent 4 (1×)
- Proper 27 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Christ's return Vigilance and readiness Hope in darkness Eschatology Morning watch