O Sing of Christ
O sing of Christ the Word made flesh
This hymn presents a comprehensive Lutheran understanding of the Incarnation as the central mystery of Christian faith, emphasizing Christ's pre-existence as the Word, His role in creation, and His redemptive work. It demonstrates how Christology unifies law and gospel within Lutheran soteriology.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this modern hymn was published in Lutheran Worship (1982) and subsequently included in Evangelical Lutheran Worship (2006). It represents late twentieth-century Lutheran hymnodic renewal emphasizing theological depth in accessible contemporary language.
Hymnal Appearances
- All Creation Sings — 904
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 640
- Lutheran Service Book — 362
- Lutheran Worship — 400
Bulletin Note
Written in 1980 by Jaroslav J. Vajda, a 20th-century Lutheran hymnographer of Slovak heritage. This text masterfully weaves Johannine theology—the Word dwelling among us—with Reformation convictions about Christ alone as our salvation.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the Lutheran insight that Christ as the pre-existent Word and incarnate Redeemer shows how God's creative power and redemptive grace flow from a single, unified divine purpose.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From Christ's invitation to rest (addressing spiritual weariness) through acceptance of that rest, then to Christ's offer of living water (addressing spiritual thirst) through drinking and living in him—a movement from passive reception to active transformation
Themes
Incarnation Christology Word of God Creation and Redemption Divine Wisdom