Christ, Our Human Likeness Sharing
Christ, our human likeness sharing
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran Christology by emphasizing the full incarnation—Christ's assumption of human nature—as the foundation of redemption and the revelation of God's mercy. The text connects the incarnational mystery to Titus 3's theme of God's kindness and love becoming visible in Christ's advent, affirming that salvation flows from God's gracious self-giving in human form.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn was published in Lutheran Worship (1982) as a response to Titus 3:4-8's proclamation of God's kindness and love appearing in Christ. It reflects mid-20th-century Lutheran hymnody's emphasis on Christ's full humanity and solidarity with humankind.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 690
- Lutheran Service Book — 847
- Lutheran Worship — 298
Bulletin Note
Composed by Jaroslav J. Vajda in 1980, this hymn deepens Lutheran teaching on the full incarnation, drawing on Titus 3's proclamation of God's kindness and love made visible in Christ for our redemption.
Preaching Connection
This hymn anchors the proclamation of incarnational grace: Christ's full assumption of human nature reveals the Law's exposure of our need and the Gospel's radical answer—God's mercy becoming flesh for our salvation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's resurrection transforms past memory into present encounter, empowering Spirit-filled witness and costly service to a broken world
Themes
Incarnation God's mercy and kindness Salvation through Christ Human dignity Divine compassion