Martin Luther

Martin Luther was born in Eisleben on November 10, 1483. He studied at the University of Erfurt, entered the Augustinian order in 1505, was ordained in 1507, and earned a doctorate in theology in 1512. As a biblical professor and preacher at Wittenberg, his disputes concerning indulgences, authority, grace, and justification helped initiate the Protestant Reformation. His German Bible, catechisms, sermons, and liturgical writings sought to make Christian teaching accessible beyond the universities and clergy.

Congregational song was integral to that purpose. Beginning in the 1520s, Luther wrote German psalm paraphrases, catechism hymns, seasonal songs, and liturgical texts, often collaborating with Johann Walter and other musicians. His works include Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott, Nun komm, der Heiden Heiland, Aus tiefer Not schrei ich zu dir, and Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her. He regarded music as a powerful servant of theology, education, and proclamation.

Luther composed Vom Himmel hoch in 1534, and it was first printed in 1535 as a fifteen-stanza children's Christmas song based on Luke 2. He initially fitted it to a secular wreath melody, then provided the enduring VOM HIMMEL HOCH tune in 1539. The familiar English extract Ah, Dearest Jesus, Holy Child corresponds to the closing three stanzas. Luther died in Eisleben on February 18, 1546.