O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild
O Jesus so sweet, O Jesus so mild
O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild is a hymn text by Martin Behm (1600) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Translated by Composite English translation. Found in CW21 540, CW93 366, hs98 858, lsb 546.
This hymn exemplifies Lutheran Christology by focusing on the paradox of divine majesty humbled in human flesh as an infant. The text encourages affectionate devotion to Christ's incarnate nature while maintaining orthodox understanding of His divinity.
History & Background
Martin Behm composed this German hymn in the early 17th century as a tender meditation on the Incarnation. The text was later translated into English and adapted for Lutheran hymnals, appearing in various American Lutheran collections.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship: Hymnal — 540
- Christian Worship — 366
- Hymnal Supplement 98 — 858
- Lutheran Service Book — 546
- Lutheran Worship — 370
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 93
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1557–1622), a German Lutheran pastor, composed this hymn to draw believers into intimate devotion to the incarnate Christ. It captures the paradox central to Lutheran theology: divine majesty revealed in humble, gentle human form.
Preaching Connection
This hymn deepens proclamation of the incarnation by translating doctrinal truth into devotional longing, showing how Gospel comfort addresses the Law's exposure of human need through Christ's self-emptying love.
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Christmas 2 (2×)
- Christmas Midnight (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Christmas 1 (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
Incarnation of Christ Childlike devotion to Jesus Sweetness of Christ's nature Divine love and tenderness