We Praise You, Jesus, at Your Birth
We praise you, Jesus, at your birth
This hymn celebrates the paradox of the Incarnation—the eternal Son of God humbling Himself to human birth—and calls the faithful to joyful praise in response to this mystery. It emphasizes Christ's redemptive birth as the means of human salvation and the reversal of sin's curse through divine humility and grace.
History & Background
Martin Behm's original German hymn 'Wir loben dich, Jesu, zu deiner Geburt' was published in the early 17th century and became a significant Christmas hymn in Lutheran hymnody. Martin H. Behm translated the text into English for the American Lutheran Hymnal in 1927.
Hymnal Appearances
- Evangelical Lutheran Worship — 265
- Lutheran Book of Worship — 48
- Lutheran Service Book — 382
- Lutheran Worship — 35
- The Lutheran Hymnal — 80
Translation
Bulletin Note
Martin Behm (1610) captures the Incarnation's central mystery through the tune Nun Lob Mein Seel. His text moves from amazement at God's condescension to joyful praise—the proper response to grace.
Preaching Connection
This hymn embodies the paradox at Christmas's heart: divine majesty humbling itself to human weakness, transforming the Law's curse into the Gospel's redemption, and calling forth our answering praise.
Stanza Arc
The narrative or theological arc traced by this tune's stanzas: Christological anticipation (St. 1-2) → Incarnational paradox (St. 3) → Pneumatological reign (St. 4)
Themes
Nativity of Christ Incarnation Joy and praise Divine humility Redemption