All My Heart This Night Rejoices

This hymn by Paul Gerhardt is a cherished German Christmas carol that celebrates the joy and wonder of Christ’s birth. Written in 1653, it expresses heartfelt praise for the Savior who brings hope, peace, and salvation to the world. Gerhardt’s lyrics focus on the rejoicing of the believer’s heart, responding to the angelic proclamation to the shepherds that the Messiah has been born. The hymn emphasizes gratitude, worship, and personal devotion, reminding believers of the significance of the incarnation in both historical and spiritual terms. Its melody and poetic structure are reflective of 17th-century Lutheran hymnody, designed to be sung by congregations with a sense of reverent joy. Through this hymn, worshippers are invited to celebrate the birth of Christ with enthusiasm and to internalize the message of hope, knowing that the Savior came to redeem humanity and bring the light of God’s love into the world.