A Boy is Born in Bethlehem
- Renée Coventry
- 12 minutes ago
- 2 min read
As with many carols and hymns throughout the ages, this song has been shortened while remaining true to its theological truths. Such is the case with the hymn A Boy is Born in Bethlehem. Originally, this song was a Latin folk-hymn in Bohemia that developed into a chant by the fourteenth century. It was later popularized in Germany under the title Ein Kind Geborn Zu Bethlehem, enduring throughout the Reformation, taking on slight differences and modifications.
Below are the words believed to have been from the thirteenth century, though the recording is a shortened, more contemporary version. Notice the detail with which the nativity story is delivered, from the conception of Christ, to looking back to the serpent in the garden. It suggests Christ as a groom and reminds us that, though He was in a manger, He was still reigning “eternally on high,” ending once again with praise to the Trinity.
I hope you enjoy this version of A Boy is Born in Bethlehem.
A Boy is Born in Bethlehem
Puer Natus in Bethlehem
A boy is born in Bethlehem, Bethlehem;
Rejoice, therefore, Jerusalem!
Alleluia! Alleluia!
Our human flesh doth He take on,
High Word of God, the eternal Son,
Alleluia!
When Mary Gabriel’s words received,
Within her was her Son conceived.
From virgin’s womb doth He proceed
No human father doth He need.
From serpent’s wound immune was He,
Yet shared He our humanity.
‘Tis flesh like ours He’s clothed in,
Though free from man’s primeval sin.
As from His chamber strides the groom,
So comes He from His mother’s womb.
Within the manger doth He lie,
Who reigns eternally on high.
The ox and ass that Child adored
And knew Him for their heavenly Lord.
To shepherds did the angel come
To tell them there was born a Son.
The wise men came from lands afar
To offer incense, gold, and myrrh.
They stooped to enter, one by one,
To greet in turn the new-born Son.
At this glad birth, with one accord
Let us rejoice and bless the Lord!
To Holy Trinity be praise, [be praise, be praise]
And thanks be given to God always.
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