We Sing Immanuel Thy Praise
We sing Immanuel thy praise
The hymn celebrates the Incarnation as the central mystery of Christian faith, emphasizing that God became human in Christ to accomplish salvation. This reflects Lutheran Christology and the joy of redemption through Emmanuel, God-with-us.
History & Background
Martin Behm's German hymn 'Wir singen dir Immanuel dein Lob' was published in his hymnal around 1610. Catherine Winkworth translated it into English in her 1863 collection, becoming a standard English-language hymn in Lutheran hymnals.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Worship — 298
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 108
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1557–1622) penned this Reformation-era hymn celebrating the incarnation. Its Long Meter and sturdy tune IMMANUEL have anchored Lutheran praise for over four centuries, proclaiming that in Christ, the infinite God becomes our Emmanuel.
Preaching Connection
This hymn powerfully bridges Law and Gospel: it acknowledges our unworthiness before God's majesty while flooding that acknowledgment with the liberating joy of Emmanuel's gracious nearness, making it ideal for sermons on Christ's incarnational rescue of sinful humanity.
Themes
Incarnation God with us Christ's divinity Praise and worship Emmanuel