He Whom Shepherds Once Came Praising
He whom shepherds once came praising
The hymn celebrates the Incarnation through the eyes of the shepherds, emphasizing how Christ's birth was announced to the humble and lowly rather than the mighty. It reflects the Lutheran emphasis on the Gospel's accessibility to all people and the reversal of worldly values in God's redemptive plan.
History & Background
Written by Nikolai Grundtvig in Danish as 'Hvo ham så kom med stab' in 1817, this hymn celebrates the nativity witnessed by the shepherds. It was translated into English by Gracia Grindal in 1983 and included in the Lutheran Book of Worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 282
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 68
- Lutheran Worship — 54
Translation
Bulletin Note
Written by Nikolai Grundtvig in 1817, this Danish hymn centers the shepherds' witness as a sign that Christ's redemption belongs to the humble and excluded, reflecting the Lutheran conviction that Gospel reaches all people equally.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's reversal of worldly honor—announcing salvation to shepherds, not kings—powerfully illustrates Law and Gospel: our unworthiness exposed, then overwhelmed by grace's democratic reach to every human heart.
Themes
Incarnation Shepherds and their witness Nativity joy Humble worship