Wie groß bist Du
Oswald Sattler
A Hymn of Awe and Worship: Unpacking Oswald Sattler's 'Wie groß bist Du'
Oswald Sattler's 'Wie groß bist Du' is a German hymn that expresses a profound sense of awe and reverence for the divine. The song's title, which translates to 'How Great Thou Art,' sets the tone for a worshipful acknowledgment of God's grandeur as seen through the wonders of creation, the life of Jesus Christ, and the work of the Holy Spirit.
The lyrics begin by contemplating the natural world and the universe, marveling at the creation that is believed to have come into existence through the word of God. This reflection on the vastness and complexity of the world leads to an outpouring of praise for the Creator. The chorus, 'Dann jauchzt mein Herz dir, großer Herrscher zu / Wie groß bist du, wie groß bist du!' translates to 'Then my heart shouts to you, great ruler / How great thou art, how great thou art!' and serves as a recurring declaration of God's greatness.
The song further delves into Christian theology by reflecting on the incarnation of Jesus Christ, his acts of love and sacrifice, and the redemption he offers. It also acknowledges the Holy Spirit, celebrating the spiritual elevation and the gift of love it brings to believers. Throughout the hymn, the central theme is the majesty and benevolence of God, which inspires worship and adoration from the faithful. Sattler's rendition likely carries the traditional and contemplative qualities of Christian folk music, aiming to stir the hearts of listeners towards spiritual reflection.