Thy Strong Word — Countdown to Christmas: LSB 372: O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is

The Rev. John Shank, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Edwardsville, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study the hymn “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is.”

With its deep theologically rich lyrics, “O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is” is a beautiful example of Lutheran hymnody. Written by Paul Gerhardt in the 1600s, the struggles of his life and his deep abiding faith in Christ come out clearly in this hymn. Join us as we discuss the beautiful imagery of this hymn and how it proclaims the good news that Christ’s birth, life, death, and resurrection were all out of his great love for you.

Celebrate the birth of our Savior with Thy Strong Word’s Countdown to Christmas, a special series where we explore 10 of the most beloved Christmas hymns found in the Lutheran Service Book. Learn the history and meaning of these beautiful carols and how they reflect the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each weekday we dive into every stanza of these classic hymns and discover the rich theology and joy it expresses. Don’t miss this opportunity to prepare your hearts to receive Christ anew and rejoice with Thy Strong Word: Countdown to Christmas.

Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.

Thy Strong Word is graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation. Through the mission gifts of people like you, LHF translates, publishes, distributes and introduces books that are Bible-based, Christ-centered and Reformation-driven. Learn more at lhfmissions.org.

Lutheran Service Book 372

Text Information
First Line: O Jesus Christ, Thy manger is
Title: O Jesus Christ, Thy Manger Is
Author: Paul Gerhardt, 1607-76
Meter: 4 4 11 D
Language: English
Publication Date: 2006
Scripture: Luke 2:4-16; John 1:14; Matthew 20:28; John 17:23
Source: The Lutheran Hymnal, 1941 (Tr.)
Copyright: Tr. © 1941 Concordia Publishing House

Tune Information
Name: IN PARADISIUM
Composer: Kenneth T. Kosche, b. 1947
Meter: 4 4 11 D
Incipit: 33212 34323 56714
Key: D Major
Copyright: © 1996, Kenneth T. Kosche

Rev. Dr. Phil Booe

Native North Carolinian Rev. Dr. Phil Booe serves pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, and host of Thy Strong Word on KFUO Radio. His parishioners probably think he can’t teach Bible study without a mug of coffee in his hand, and he’ll always be happy to eat a plate of sushi. When he’s not shepherding his flock or teaching on the radio, you might find him watching bad movies from the 50s, 60s, and 70s, and especially binging RiffTrax and MST3K episodes. Some day he’d love to travel to the Lutheran homeland in Germany, but for now he spends time in Minnesota with his wife, son, daughter, and cat, and looks forward to Holy Week every year.