The Star Proclaims the King is Here
The star proclaims the King is here
The hymn proclaims the manifestation of Christ's kingship revealed to the gentiles through the star, emphasizing Christ's universal reign and redemptive purpose. Lutheran theology sees in this text the fulfillment of Old Testament messianic promise and the extension of God's covenant to all nations.
History & Background
Friedrich Drandke's German hymn 'Der Stern verkündigt Herrn ist hier' was published in the 19th century and became a standard Epiphany text in German Lutheranism. The English translation emerged through Lutheran hymnody compilations, appearing in The Lutheran Hymnal (1941) as hymn 131.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 308
- Lutheran Service Book — 399
- Lutheran Worship — 81
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 131
Translation
composite Lutheran translation tradition
Bulletin Note
Written by Friedrich Drandke in 1857, this hymn captures the Epiphany mystery—how the star's revelation of Christ's kingship transcends boundaries, drawing Gentiles and Jews alike into the communion of saints.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's proclamation of Christ's kingship extending to the Gentiles powerfully counters the Law's exclusivity, demonstrating how the Gospel fulfills messianic promise by gathering all nations into God's covenant of grace.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law (human need and failure) → Gospel (God's persistent grace) → Response (pledge of discipleship)
Themes
manifestation of Christ kingship of Jesus wise men's witness revelation to the gentiles divine light