Hymn of the Day & Its Use in Lutheran Worship

From the opening paragraph: "The Hymn of the Day is one of the central musical components in the Lutheran liturgy. It was and remains 'one of the most promising developments of Reformation hymnody after the chorale itself.' The importance of both its historic and contemporary roles in Lutheran worship can hardly be overestimated. Whether sung by the congregation alone, or together with the fuller participation of choir, organ, and instruments, its purpose is to help focus on the central theme of the particular Sunday or festival of the church year being celebrated."