Sonst müssten wir verzagen.
Gib uns dein’n Frieden, o Jesu!
Based on John 1:29: “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” The hymn, called the Agnus Dei in liturgical literature, is a prayer for God’s mercy and peace, and a confession that Christ alone is able to take away the sin of the world. It is an ancient song which has been in use in the church since 701 A.D. and originally was chanted antiphonally by clergy and laity. Since the 12th century the custom has been to repeat the chant three times. In some churches it is always sung just before the communion of the Lord’s Supper.
For comments on Decius see [Hymn 521].
The translation is composite.
MUSIC. O LAMM GOTTES, UNSCHULDIG is based on an ancient Gregorian setting for the Agnus Dei and may have been arranged by Decius himself, for he was a musician as well as a preacher. The word “Gregorian” stems from Gregory the Great, who was Pope from 590 to 604 A.D. He was distinguished for his public service and his contribution to church music, developing the use of the plain chant (also called “plain song” and “Gregorian chant”) which is identified with his name.
EASTERTIDE
541. Jesus Christ my sure defense
Luise Henriette von Brandenburg, 1627-67
Tr. Catherine Winkworth, 1829-78