O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is
O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran Christological teaching on the paradox of the infinite God confined to human limitation for human salvation. It emphasizes both the mystery of the Incarnation and the soteriological purpose of Christ's humiliation, central to Luther's understanding of the two natures of Christ.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as a theological meditation on the Incarnation and Christ's humble birth. The text was translated into English by various Lutheran hymnologists and first appeared in English-language Lutheran hymnals in the 20th century.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 279
- Lutheran Service Book — 372
- Lutheran Worship — 47
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 81
Translation
composite Lutheran English translation
Bulletin Note
By Martin Behm (1610), this Lutheran hymn captures the paradox of Incarnation central to Reformation theology: the infinite Christ confined to human limitation for human salvation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn's meditation on Christ's self-emptying at the manger powerfully illustrates how the Gospel answers the Law's accusation: our distance from the infinite God is bridged not by our climbing toward heaven, but by God's humbling descent to us.
Themes
Incarnation of Christ Humiliation of Christ Divine condescension Salvation through Christ's birth Christological mystery