Windows into the Wedding Feast: Philip Nicolai and “Wake, Awake”

“Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying” is one of the most beloved Lutheran hymns, often called the “king of chorales.” This workshop looks at the fascinating story behind the hymn and examines the rich imagery within the hymn’s text. Numerous cultural factors influenced Philip Nicolai, the hymn’s author, and we will see how the hymn opens windows into these worlds. We will also discover how Nicolai’s creative process suggests useful models for spiritual care today.

Bio | Jon Micheel

Prof. Micheel teaches preaching and church history at Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, where he has served since 2020. Previously he served congregations in California and Utah. He is one of the moderators for the Preacher Podcast, produced in conjunction with The Foundation worship resources from WELS Congregational Services. He was the chairman of the rites (liturgy) committee for the WELS Hymnal Project and contributed chapters to Christian Worship: Foundations. He is currently a doctoral candidate at Concordia Seminary (St. Louis) in homiletics.