Hymn Desk
Hymn Texts /

O Blessed Spring

O blessed spring, where Christ is planted

This hymn expresses the Lutheran understanding of baptismal union with Christ, where believers are grafted into Christ the vine through water and Word. The text emphasizes both the forensic dimension of justification and the transformative reality of sanctification as branches bearing fruit through connection to Christ.

History & Background

Written in 1984 by Jane Parker Huber, a contemporary American hymnodist, this text was composed specifically for baptismal and Easter contexts. It was first published in hymnals of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and has become widely used in Lutheran worship.

Hymnal Appearances

  • Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 447
  • Glory to God — 17
  • Lutheran Service Book — 595
  • With One Voice — 695

Bulletin Note

Written by Jane Parker Huber in 1984, this contemporary hymn recovers the ancient vine-and-branches imagery for baptismal theology, expressing how water and Word graft us into Christ's death and resurrection.

Preaching Connection

This hymn embodies the Lutheran paradox: the Law exposes our barrenness apart from Christ; the Gospel declares us grafted into the vine and empowered to bear lasting fruit through baptismal union.

Catechism & Confessional Connections

Stanza Arc

The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Law to Gospel: from separation and judgment to gracious invitation, communion, and eschatological hope

Themes

Baptism Growth in Christ The Church as the vine Christian discipleship Fruitfulness in faith

Look Further