On This Day Earth Shall Ring
On this day earth shall ring with the song children sing
This hymn expresses the incarnational joy central to Lutheran Christmas theology, emphasizing that God's entrance into human flesh brings universal rejoicing and redemption. The text reflects Lutheran understanding of Christ's birth as the pivotal moment of divine grace breaking into earthly reality.
History & Background
Written by English poet Jane Landon in 1957, this carol was first published in The Oxford Book of Carols. It pairs a modern English text with the medieval German melody 'Resonet intonmus,' creating a bridge between contemporary composition and traditional hymnody.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 289
- The Hymnal 1982 — 92
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 74
- Lutheran Service Book — 361
Bulletin Note
Jane Landon's 1957 text pairs with the medieval tune Resonet Intonmus to unite modern devotional language with ancient incarnational joy, expressing how Christ's birth transforms all creation into a ringing bell of praise.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies pure Gospel proclamation: the announcement of Christ's birth as humanity's salvation, inviting congregations to move from hearing the promise of redemption to singing it with their whole being.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Incarnation (stanzas 1-2) → Reception (stanza 3) → Celebration (stanza 4)
Themes
Incarnation Joy and celebration Christ's birth Universal praise God's love made manifest