That Boy-Child of Mary Meaning, History, and Theology
"What shall we call him, child of the manger"
- Written
- 1969
- Category
- Hymn
- Tune
- Standard Tune
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Story
That Boy-Child of Mary is a Christmas hymn written by Scottish missionary and hymn writer Thomas Allan Colvin. Inspired by the biblical story of Jesus' birth, the hymn reflects on the identity of the child born in Bethlehem. Its lively tune and scriptural themes celebrate the mystery of the incarnation and the global joy of Christ's coming.
Overview
That Boy-Child of Mary is a Christmas hymn written by Scottish missionary and hymn writer Thomas Allan Colvin. The hymn reflects the wonder of the incarnation by asking a series of questions about the identity of the child born in Bethlehem. Through its lyrical structure the text invites worshipers to reflect on the many biblical titles of Christ.
The hymn celebrates the mystery that the humble child of Mary is also the Savior foretold in Scripture. By drawing on prophetic and gospel language it connects the nativity story with the broader narrative of redemption.
Pastorally the hymn encourages congregations to contemplate the meaning of Christ's birth. Its repetitive questioning invites reflection and joyful proclamation of the many names and roles of Jesus in the Christian faith.
Historical Background
Thomas Allan Colvin wrote That Boy-Child of Mary during the late twentieth century while serving as a missionary in Malawi. During this period he became deeply interested in incorporating African musical traditions into Christian worship.
The hymn reflects this influence through its rhythmic style and call-and-response structure. Colvin sought to create texts and melodies that could be sung both in Western congregations and in African Christian communities.
First published in 1969 the hymn quickly gained popularity in English speaking churches particularly in Christmas services. Its distinctive rhythm and global perspective helped broaden the musical vocabulary of modern hymnody.
Biblical Foundations
The hymn is rooted in the biblical narrative of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. The Gospel accounts describe the humble circumstances of Christ's birth and the angelic proclamation of His identity as Savior.
It also reflects the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament which foretells a child who would bear divine titles and bring peace and salvation. Isaiah's prophecy about the coming child forms an important theological background for the hymn.
By combining these biblical themes the hymn invites worshipers to recognize the newborn child as the fulfillment of God's promises throughout Scripture.
Verse Explanation
The hymn opens by asking what name should be given to the child born in the manger. This question invites reflection on the identity and mission of Jesus.
Subsequent lines point toward the recognition that this child of Mary is the promised Savior foretold in Scripture. The hymn gradually moves from wonder to proclamation.
By the end the focus rests on the significance of the child for humanity. The humble infant is revealed as the one through whom God's salvation enters the world.
Theological Reflection
The hymn highlights the doctrine of the incarnation the belief that the eternal Son of God became human in Jesus Christ. This central Christian teaching is expressed through the contrast between the humble manger setting and the divine identity of the child.
Another theological emphasis is the naming of Christ. The questions within the hymn point to the many titles given to Jesus such as Savior Lord and Prince of Peace each revealing aspects of His mission.
Finally the hymn celebrates the universality of Christ's salvation. The child born of Mary is presented as a gift for all people emphasizing the global scope of the gospel.
Church Impact
That Boy-Child of Mary has become a valued hymn in many modern hymnals particularly within churches seeking to incorporate global musical influences. Its lively melody and accessible text make it popular in Christmas services.
The hymn also represents an important moment in the development of contextual hymnody where Western congregations began adopting musical elements from other cultures.
Today the hymn continues to be sung worldwide reminding believers that the birth of Christ is good news for every nation and culture.
Musical Notes
The tune BLANTYRE was written by Thomas Allan Colvin and reflects the influence of African musical traditions encountered during his missionary service. Its rhythmic vitality and call-and-response structure make it well suited for congregational participation.
The melody encourages energetic singing and often includes percussion or rhythmic accompaniment. This musical character distinguishes it from many traditional Western Christmas hymns.
Because of its adaptable rhythm the hymn works well in multicultural worship settings and is frequently used in services emphasizing global Christian music.
Application
- Encourage believers to reflect on the meaning of the incarnation during the Christmas season.
- Use the hymn to explore the various biblical names and titles of Jesus.
- Invite congregations to celebrate the global nature of Christian worship.
- Teach how the birth of Christ fulfills Old Testament prophecy.
- Emphasize the importance of joyful proclamation of the gospel message.
Discussion Questions
- What names and titles of Jesus come to mind when reflecting on the hymn?
- How does the hymn express the mystery of the incarnation?
- What elements of global music influence the hymn's style?
- Why is the birth of Christ significant for people of every culture?
- How can worship music reflect the global nature of the Christian church?
Teaching Tips
- Read Isaiah 9 and Luke 2 before singing the hymn to explore its biblical background.
- Discuss how different cultures express Christian worship through music.
- Encourage participants to list biblical titles of Jesus mentioned in Scripture.
- Use percussion or rhythmic clapping to highlight the song's musical character.
- Invite reflection on how the incarnation reveals God's love for the whole world.
Sources
-
The Canterbury Dictionary of Hymnology
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Hymnary.org
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The Cyber Hymnal
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The Oxford Handbook of Christmas Carols
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Companion to the United Methodist Hymnal
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