Now Sing We Now rejoice (Hymn)

Now Sing We, Now Rejoice is a timeless Christmas carol celebrating the joy of Christ’s birth, the gift of salvation, and the hope of eternity with Him. Rooted in medieval worship, this hymn invites believers to lift their voices in praise, recognizing Jesus as the Savior who came to bring light and grace to the world.

VERSE 1
Now sing we, now rejoice,
Now raise to heaven our voice;
He from whom joy streameth
Poor in a manger lies;
Not so brightly beameth
The sun in yonder skies.
Thou my Savior art!
Thou my Savior art!

VERSE 2
Come from on high to me;
I cannot rise to thee.
Cheer my wearied spirit,
O pure and holy Child;
Through Thy grace and merit,
Blest Jesus, Lord most mild,
Draw me unto Thee!
Draw me unto Thee!

VERSE 3
Now through His Son doth shine
The Father’s grace divine.
Death was reigning o’er us
Through sin and vanity
Till He opened for us
A bright eternity.
May we praise Him there!
May we praise Him there!

VERSE 4
Oh, where shall joy be found?
Where but on heavenly ground?
Where the angels singing
With all His saints unite,
Sweetest praises bringing
In heavenly joy and light,
Oh, that we were there!
Oh, that we were there!

Story Behind the Song

Now Sing We, Now Rejoice is the English rendition of the medieval carol In dulci jubilo, a song with deep historical roots. The original text, blending Latin and German, is attributed to the 14th-century German mystic Heinrich Seuse.

According to his writings, around 1328, Seuse experienced a vision in which angels invited him to join in a dance of worship, during which they sang a joyous song about the infant Jesus, beginning with the words “In dulci jubilo.”

This event is detailed in his biography, where it’s noted that upon hearing the angelic song, Seuse felt an overwhelming joy that made him forget his earthly sufferings.[1]

The melody associated with In dulci jubilo first appeared in a manuscript around 1400, housed in Leipzig University Library. This tune gained popularity and was included in several hymnals during the 16th century, such as Joseph Klug’s Geistliche Lieder in 1533.

The carol’s unique structure, alternating between Latin and vernacular language, exemplifies the macaronic style prevalent in medieval hymns.[2]

The English version, Now Sing We, Now Rejoice, was translated by Arthur T. Russell in 1851. Russell, an Anglican priest, sought to preserve the carol’s original spirit while rendering it entirely in English.

His translation has been included in various hymnals, allowing congregations to experience the enduring joy and reverence of this ancient song.[3]

Over the centuries, In dulci jubilo has inspired numerous musical arrangements by composers like Johann Sebastian Bach and Dieterich Buxtehude, who created chorale preludes based on its melody.

Its enduring popularity is a testament to its profound message and the timeless appeal of its melody, continuing to inspire and uplift worshippers around the world.[4]