Once In Royal David's City
Once in royal David's city
The hymn presents the mystery of the Incarnation through the lens of humble circumstances, emphasizing that the eternal God chose poverty and lowliness for redemptive purposes. Lutheran theology particularly values this hymn's expression of Christ's voluntary self-emptying (kenosis) and the paradox of divine majesty concealed in human weakness.
History & Background
Written by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848 as part of her Hymns for Little Children, specifically to teach children about the Incarnation through the narrative of Christ's birth in Bethlehem. The hymn was first published in her collection and quickly became one of the most beloved Christmas hymns in English-speaking churches.
Hymnal Appearances
- Baptist Hymnal — 216
- Chalice Hymnal — 167
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 328
- Glory to God — 140
- The Hymnal 1982 — 102
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 161
- Lutheran Service Book — 376
- Lift Up Your Hearts — 76
- Lutheran Worship — 58
- New Century Hymnal — 145
- Trinity Hymnal — 224
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 97
- United Methodist Hymnal — 250
- Voices Together — 218
- With One Voice — 643
Bulletin Note
Written by Cecil Frances Alexander in 1848, this hymn captures the paradox central to Lutheran faith: the almighty God choosing poverty and lowliness as the means of our redemption through the birth of Christ.
Preaching Connection
This hymn expounds the kenosis—Christ's self-emptying—showing how the Law of our unworthiness meets the Gospel of God's inexplicable condescension in the Incarnation.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: From the humiliation of the Incarnation (lowly birth) to the exaltation of Christ (seated at God's right hand) and the promise of eschatological glory for believers
Themes
Incarnation Humility of Christ Childhood of Jesus Divine condescension Imitation of Christ