The hymn you're referring to is **"Wake, awake, for night is flying"** (sometimes "Wake, Awake, for Night Is Fleeing"). It is an English translation of the famous German chorale **"Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme"** (literally "Awake, calls the voice to us"). Here's its rich history: 1. **Origin of Text and Tune (Philipp Nicolai - 1599):** * **Author:** Both the text and the tune were written by **Philipp Nicolai** (1550–1608), a German Lutheran pastor. * **Date:** He wrote it in **1599**. * **Context:** Nicolai composed this hymn (along with "Wie schön leuchtet der Morgenstern" - "How Brightly Shines the Morning Star") during a severe plague epidemic in Unna, Westphalia, where he was a minister. He witnessed hundreds of his parishioners die during this time. * **Purpose:** In the face of immense suffering and death, Nicolai sought to offer comfort, hope, and spiritual encouragement to his congregation. He poured his deep faith into these hymns, focusing on the joyful expectation of Christ's return and eternal life. * **Publication:** It was published in his book *FrewdenSpiegel deß ewigen Lebens* (Mirror of the Joy of Eternal Life). 2. **Theological Foundation:** * The hymn's text is deeply rooted in the **Parable of the Ten Virgins** from **Matthew 25:1-13**, which describes five wise virgins who are prepared with oil for their lamps, and five foolish ones who are not, awaiting the bridegroom's arrival. * It powerfully conveys themes of watchfulness, readiness, anticipation, and the joyful expectation of Christ's Second Coming, offering hope of salvation and eternal life despite earthly tribulations. The "night flying" symbolizes the end of earthly trials and the dawn of eternal joy. 3. **Musical Impact (Johann Sebastian Bach - 1731):** * The hymn tune is most famously known today through its magnificent setting by **Johann Sebastian Bach** in his Cantata BWV 140, also titled *Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme*. * Bach composed this cantata in **1731** for the 27th Sunday after Trinity. He used Nicolai's original tune and text as the basis for the first, fourth, and seventh (last) movements of the cantata, creating one of his most beloved and recognizable works. * Bach's treatment solidified the hymn's place as a cornerstone of sacred music and introduced it to a much wider audience, cementing its historical and artistic significance. 4. **English Translation (Catherine Winkworth - 1858):** * The most widely used and beloved English translation, **"Wake, awake, for night is flying,"** was done by **Catherine Winkworth** (1827–1878) in **1858**. * Winkworth was a pivotal figure in hymnody, responsible for translating hundreds of German chorales into English, making them accessible to English-speaking congregations and enriching their hymn books. Her translation beautifully captures the spirit and theological depth of Nicolai's original. **Enduring Legacy:** "Wake, awake, for night is flying" remains one of the most cherished and powerful hymns in the Christian tradition. It is a staple during the **Advent season**, reinforcing the themes of preparation, anticipation, and hope for Christ's coming. Its profound message, combined with its beautiful melody and Bach's masterful musical setting, ensures its continued performance and study in churches and concert halls around the world.