Tauet, Himmel, den Gerechten

Tauet, Himmel, den Gerechten (Melodienvergleich)

== Tauet, Himmel, den Gerechten ==

Tauet, Himmel, den Gerechten (German for "Drop down, ye heavens, from above") is a traditional Advent hymn in the Christian liturgy. The hymn is based on the biblical text from the Book of Isaiah 45:8, which reads, "Drop down, ye heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness: let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together; I the Lord have created it."

History

The hymn has its origins in the Roman Catholic Church and is traditionally sung during the season of Advent, which is the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The text of the hymn reflects the longing and anticipation for the coming of the Messiah.

Text

The original German text of the hymn is as follows:

Tauet, Himmel, den Gerechten, Wolken, regnet ihn herab! Rief das Volk in bangen Nächten, Der die Welt erschaffen hab. Nun, er will sich selbst entschließen, Zu der Erde niederfließen, Daß ein Heiland werde draus. Den er schuf im Mutterleibe, Der die Menschheit von dem Weibe Ewig führte aus und ein.

Usage in Liturgy

"Tauet, Himmel, den Gerechten" is often included in the liturgical celebrations of Advent in various Christian denominations. It is particularly associated with the Rorate Mass, a traditional Catholic Mass celebrated in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary during the early morning hours of Advent.

Musical Settings

The hymn has been set to music by various composers throughout history. One of the most well-known settings is by the German composer Michael Praetorius. The melody and harmonization of the hymn have been adapted and arranged for different choral and congregational settings.

Significance

The hymn "Tauet, Himmel, den Gerechten" holds significant theological and liturgical importance. It encapsulates the themes of hope, anticipation, and divine intervention that are central to the season of Advent. The imagery of the heavens dropping down righteousness and the earth bringing forth salvation resonates with the Christian belief in the Incarnation and the coming of Jesus Christ as the Savior.

See Also

• Advent
• Rorate Mass
• Book of Isaiah
• Michael Praetorius
• Roman Catholic Church
• Nativity of Jesus
• Messiah