The Infant Priest Was Holy Born
The Infant Priest was holy born
The Infant Priest Was Holy Born is a hymn text by Jaroslav J. Vajda (1980) in L.M. (8.8.8.8) meter. Found in CW21 674, elw 743, hs98 853, lsb 624. Sung to WAREHAM.
This hymn presents Christ's priesthood in contrast to the Levitical priesthood, emphasizing His once-for-all sacrifice and eternal intercession central to Lutheran soteriology. It reflects the Reformation emphasis on Christ alone as mediator and the sufficiency of His atonement without human priestly mediation.
History & Background
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn was composed to illuminate the Christological theme of Christ as the ultimate high priest. It appeared in Lutheran Service Book (2006) as hymn 624 and reflects contemporary Lutheran hymnody emphasizing biblical theology.
Hymnal Appearances
- Christian Worship: Hymnal — 674
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 743
- Hymnal Supplement 98 — 853
- Lutheran Service Book — 624
Bulletin Note
Written by Jaroslav Vajda in 1980, this hymn sets Christ's eternal priesthood against the Old Testament sacrificial system, echoing Hebrews and the Lutheran understanding of Christ alone as mediator.
Preaching Connection
This hymn crystallizes the Reformation insight that Christ's singular priesthood renders the entire Levitical system obsolete, making it a powerful Gospel response to any Law-focused preaching on sacrifice, mediation, or human effort to reach God.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christ's compassionate presence amid human suffering and social chaos, calling the Church to incarnational witness and mercy
In the Church Year
Suggested in the one-year series
- Epiphany 1 (2×)
- Christmas 1 (1×)
- Christmas 2 (1×)
- Christmas Dawn (1×)
- Easter 4 (1×)
- Lent 5 (1×)
- Trinity 1 (1×)
Suggested in the three-year series
- Christmas 1 (3×)
- Lent 5 (2×)
- Christmas Day (1×)
- Epiphany (1×)
- Lent 3 (1×)
- Proper 15 (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
Christ's priesthood Incarnation Sacrifice and atonement Christology Redemption