O Christ, Who Shared Our Mortal Life
O Christ, who shared our mortal life
O Christ, Who Shared Our Mortal Life is a hymn text by Thomas H. Troeger (1983) in 8.7.8.7 D meter. Found in elw 613, lsb 552. Sung to KUORTANE.
The hymn emphasizes Christ's incarnational identification with human suffering and healing, central to Lutheran Christology and understanding of the Two Natures. It connects Christ's earthly healing ministry with continued compassionate care through the Church's vocation in medicine and pastoral care.
History & Background
Written by Thomas Troeger in 1983 for use in contemporary Lutheran worship, this hymn first appeared in ELW (2006) and was subsequently included in LSB (2006). It represents modern hymnody addressing Christ's healing work with contemporary theological language.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 613
- Lutheran Service Book — 552
Bulletin Note
Written by Thomas Troeger in 1983, this hymn recovers the incarnational focus of Lutheran theology, insisting that Christ's healing ministry extends through the Church's care for the sick, the grieving, and the broken.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Law-Gospel movement: it names our affliction and frailty, then proclaims the healing presence of Christ, inviting the congregation to see in Jesus the God who suffers with us and redeems our whole selves.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Invocation of Christ's healing → Acknowledgment of human suffering → Christological foundation → Eschatological assurance
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Trinity 16 (3×)
- Trinity 24 (2×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Proper 8 (2×)
- Lent 5 (1×)
- Proper 5 (1×)
From LCMS Worship's published hymn suggestions, 2014–2026. The count is how many of those yearly lists suggested this hymn for that day.
Themes
Christ's healing ministry Incarnation Compassion and care Physical and spiritual wholeness Christian vocation in healing