A Child Is Born in Bethlehem
A child is born in Bethlehem
The hymn celebrates the incarnational mystery of God becoming human in Christ, emphasizing the paradox of divine majesty born in humble circumstances. It expresses Lutheran understanding of God's gracious condescension and identifies the newborn child as the promised Savior fulfilling Old Testament prophecy.
History & Background
Written by Cyril Argentine Alington, Dean of Durham Cathedral, in 1909 and first published in The English Hymnal. The hymn became widely adopted in Anglican and Lutheran hymnals throughout the 20th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 282
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 43
- Lutheran Service Book — 345
- Lutheran Worship — 41
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 97
- With One Voice — 642
Bulletin Note
Written by English hymnologist Cyril Argentine Alington in 1909, this hymn celebrates the Incarnation's central mystery: almighty God humbled in a child's cradle, fulfilling all Old Testament promise through gracious condescension.
Preaching Connection
This hymn magnifies the Gospel paradox of divine majesty hidden in human weakness, making it a powerful lens through which to proclaim that God's power is perfected in the vulnerability of the Child born for our salvation.
Catechism & Confessional Connections
- The Second Article (Concerning Redemption) Small Catechism — The Apostles' Creed
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From contemplation of Christ's humble birth in obscurity to personal invitation for Christ's transformative indwelling; movement from historical event to soteriological application
Themes
Incarnation Birth of Christ Humble birth Divine condescension Joy and wonder