In clear and concise language, the hymn voices the hope for the coming of Christ.
Phillipp Friedrich Hiller, son of a Lutheran Pastor, was born at Mühlhausen, Württemberg. To escape the French invaders, he fled with his parents, at the age of 8, to Heidenheim. In 1713, he went to the Klosterschule, Denkendorf, where Bengel had a decided influence upon him. In 1748, he became the pastor in Steinheim, where, after three years of faithful service, a throat disease afflicted him, resulting in the loss of his voice. No longer able to preach, he gave himself to Bible study and writing, composing more than 100 hymns, and publishing a volume of religious poetry, Geistliches Liederkästlein.
The translation is by Joseph Augustus Seiss, a Lutheran minister, born at Graceham, Md., and educated at Gettysburg College and Seminary. Seiss was a noted pulpit orator in his denomination and held pastorates in Virginia, Maryland, and, finally, in Philadelphia.
MUSIC. GASTORIUS is ascribed by some authorities to Johann Pachelbel of Nürnberg, a contemporary of Gastorius. The melody appeared in the Auserlesenes Weimarisches Gesangbuch, 1681. Zahn, on the basis of careful study of the sources, does not hesitate to credit its composition to Gastorius, about 1675. It was originally set to a hymn by Samuel Rodigast, “Was Gott tut, das ist wohlgetan.”
Severus Gastorius, cantor in Jena, was born about 1650. Details concerning his life are not available.
CHRISTMASTIDE
525. All my heart this night rejoices
Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76
Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1829-78