O Jesus Christ Your Manger Is
O Jesus Christ, Your manger is
The hymn emphasizes the paradox of divine majesty assuming human poverty, central to Lutheran Christology and the doctrine of the two natures. It celebrates how Christ's incarnation in humble circumstances reveals God's grace and becomes the instrument of human salvation.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this hymn in early 17th-century Germany as a contemplative Christmas meditation on Christ's humble birth. The text was included in German Lutheran hymnals and later translated into English for use in Lutheran worship.
Hymnal Appearances
- Lutheran Service Book — 372
- Lutheran Worship — 69
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 81
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1610) wrote this hymn to celebrate the paradox of divine majesty assuming human poverty. Its theology reflects the Lutheran emphasis on God's grace working through humble, earthly means—Word and Sacrament.
Preaching Connection
This hymn develops the doctrine of the happy exchange—that Christ assumes our poverty so we might inherit divine riches—making it a powerful evangelical response to the Law's exposure of human unworthiness.
Themes
Incarnation Divine condescension Redemption through Christ's humble birth Childhood of Jesus God's mercy