Good Christians, Now Rejoice

“Good Christians, Now Rejoice” is a Christmas hymn translated into English by John Mason Neale in 1853. The text is based on the medieval Latin carol In dulci jubilo, which originated in Germany in the fourteenth century. Neale’s translation played a major role in introducing ancient carols to English-speaking churches, preserving their doctrinal richness while making them suitable for congregational worship.

The hymn is a call to joyful proclamation of the incarnation. From the opening exhortation, believers are invited not only to rejoice, but to rejoice with heart, soul, and voice. This full-bodied response reflects the biblical pattern of worship that engages the whole person. Joy is rooted in the historical reality that Christ has been born into the world according to God’s promise.

Each stanza unfolds a central truth of the gospel. Christ is born to save, to call sinners to Himself, and to open the way to eternal life. The hymn emphasizes that the birth of Jesus is not merely a moment of wonder, but the beginning of God’s redemptive work. Salvation is presented as God’s gracious gift, accomplished through Christ and received by faith.

The hymn also stresses the personal and communal response to Christ’s coming. Believers are called to hear the good news, trust the promise, and live in the joy of redemption. The repeated calls to rejoice serve as both invitation and confession, declaring confidence in what God has done through His Son.

“Good Christians, Now Rejoice” continues to be cherished because it unites ancient Christian tradition with clear gospel proclamation. Its joyful tone, strong biblical foundation, and Christ-centered message make it a lasting hymn for celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and the salvation He brings.