Many of us grew up in churches where we sang old hymns regularly. Moving into the late 90s and the meteoric rise of contemporary praise and worship music, hymns were considered old-fashioned, and a history of tradition and amazing songs have been lost to many modern listeners. Fortunately, a few hymns like “Once in Royal David’s City” have been reintroduced through modern Christian music artists and worship leaders.
What Are the Lyrics to “Once in David’s Royal City”?
“Once in Royal David’s City” is a popular Christmas carol that celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. Cecil Frances Alexander wrote the lyrics, first published in her 1848 hymn collection “Hymns for Little Children. The carol is typically sung to the tune “Irby,” composed by Henry John Gauntlett. Here are the lyrics to “Once in Royal David’s City.”
Once in royal David’s city,
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ, her little Child.
He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.
And, through all His wondrous childhood,
He would honor and obey,
Love and watch the lowly maiden,
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He.
For He is our childhood’s pattern;
Day by day, like us, He grew;
He was little, weak, and helpless,
Tears and smiles, like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.
And our eyes at last shall see Him,
Through His own redeeming love;
For that Child so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in heaven above:
And He leads His children on,
To the place where He is gone.
Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in heaven,
Set at God’s right hand on high;
When like stars His children crowned,
All in white, shall wait around.
These lyrics beautifully convey the story of the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and highlight the significance of His incarnation, childhood, and eventual exaltation in heaven. The carol continues to be a cherished part of Christmas celebrations worldwide, reminding believers of the profound meaning of Christ’s birth and its impact on humanity.
What Else Did Cecil Frances Alexander Write?
Cecil Frances Alexander, also known as Fanny Alexander, was a prolific hymn writer and poet who significantly contributed to Christian worship and literature during the 19th century. Her work encompassed many themes, from children’s hymns to more theological and reflective compositions. In addition to “Once in Royal David’s City,” one of her most well-known hymns, she wrote numerous other hymns and poems that continue to be sung and appreciated today.
1. “All Things Bright and Beautiful.” This hymn is perhaps one of Cecil Frances Alexander’s most beloved compositions. It celebrates the beauty of God’s creation and emphasizes gratitude for the wonders of the natural world. The hymn’s joyful and uplifting melody has made it popular for children’s worship services and nature-themed events.
2. “There Is a Green Hill Far Away.” Another well-known hymn by Alexander, this piece focuses on the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redemptive power of His sacrifice. The hymn is often sung during Lent and Holy Week, reflecting on the profound significance of Christ’s death on the cross.
3. “Once in Bethlehem of Judah.” This hymn explores the story of Christ’s birth and the events surrounding the nativity. Like “Once in Royal David’s City,” it contributes to the rich tradition of Christmas carols that celebrate the incarnation of Jesus.
4. “Jesus Calls Us; O’er the Tumult.” This hymn underscores the call to follow Jesus amidst the challenges and distractions of life. It conveys a message of commitment and discipleship, inviting believers to respond to the call of Christ with faith and dedication.
5. “The Roseate Hues of Early Dawn.” This hymn draws upon the imagery of dawn and light to convey the hope and promise of a new day. It reflects Alexander’s ability to infuse her hymns with vivid, evocative imagery.
Cecil Frances Alexander’s hymns are characterized by their lyrical beauty, theological depth, and accessibility. Her ability to craft verses that resonate with believers of all ages and backgrounds contributed to the lasting impact of her work on Christian worship.
In addition to her hymn writing, Cecil Frances Alexander also authored several collections of poetry and religious literature. Her commitment to promoting Christian values through her writing earned her a lasting place in hymnody and literature.
What Does “Once in David’s Royal City” Teach Us about Christmas?
The hymn “Once in Royal David’s City” offers profound insights into the significance of Christmas, capturing essential themes that enrich our understanding of the birth of Jesus Christ. Composed by Cecil Frances Alexander, this cherished carol imparts important lessons about the nativity and its broader implications for humanity.
1. Humility and Incarnation. The hymn’s opening lines transport us to the humble scene in Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in a lowly cattle shed. This imagery underscores the humility of the Savior’s entrance into the world. By choosing to be born in such modest surroundings, Jesus exemplified the essence of the incarnation—God taking on human form to connect with humanity on a personal and relatable level.
2. Divine Purpose and Redemption: The carol emphasizes that Jesus came “to be our Friend” and “our childhood’s pattern.” This reminds us that Christ’s birth was not a mere historical event but a deliberate act of God to establish a profound relationship with humanity. His life serves as a pattern for us to follow, demonstrating love, compassion, and a selfless approach to serving others. Additionally, the phrase “He leads His children on to the place where He is gone” alludes to the redemptive purpose of Christ’s birth—His eventual sacrifice and resurrection, which pave the way for eternal life.
3. The Role of Children: The hymn draws attention to the role of children in the story of Jesus’ birth. By depicting Jesus’ childhood and emphasizing that He “lived on earth our Saviour holy,” the hymn invites children to see themselves as part of the story of salvation. It encourages them to emulate Christ’s qualities and values, reinforcing that the Christmas narrative is relevant and accessible to people of all ages.
4. Imitating Christ’s Virtues: The hymn’s verses convey that Christ experienced both the joys and challenges of human life. This suggests believers should strive to imitate His virtues—mildness, obedience, and goodness. The mention of tears and smiles that “like us He knew” serves as a reminder that Jesus understands our human experiences and emotions, encouraging empathy and compassion among believers.
5. Eternal Hope and Resurrection: The hymn’s final stanza points toward the ultimate hope of believers—that through Christ’s redeeming love, we will one day see Him in heaven. This emphasizes the promise of eternal life and reunion with our Savior, underscoring the transformative power of Christ’s birth and the hope it brings to humanity.
“Once in Royal David’s City” imparts valuable teachings about Christmas beyond the historical narrative. Through its verses, the hymn invites us to reflect on the multifaceted meaning of Christmas and its enduring impact on our lives.
Are There Any Other Songs Called “Once in David’s Royal City”?
Alexander’s hymn is the most widely recognized and celebrated work with this title. Nevertheless, a few other compositions share the same or a similar title while having distinct content and origins.
One notable example is the choral piece “Once in David’s Royal City,” composed by composer and organist Sir Henry Walford Davies. This composition is often performed as part of the traditional “Nine Lessons and Carols” service held during the Christmas season. While bearing the same title, Walford Davies'’piece is a separate composition with its own music and lyrics.
More recently, Sufjan Stevens included a version of “Once in David’s Royal City” on his 2006 album, Songs for Christmas. While Stevens used Alexander’s version in his Christmas album, he changed some lyrics from the original.
While there may be other musical works with similar titles, they may not necessarily be as well-known or as widely performed as Alexander’s “Once in Royal David’s City.” This carol has become a staple of Christmas celebrations and is frequently included in hymnals, choral performances, and church services around the world.
The enduring popularity of Cecil Frances Alexander’s hymn has likely contributed to its continued recognition and distinction among compositions with similar titles. The hymn’s timeless message, lyrical beauty, and association with the Christmas narrative have firmly established it as a cherished part of the holiday season. Its profound message and captivating melody still resonate with audiences and serve as a beloved tradition in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/jchizhe
This article is part of our larger Christmas and Advent resource library centered around the events leading up to the birth of Jesus Christ. We hope these articles help you understand the meaning and story behind important Christian holidays and dates and encourage you as you take time to reflect on all that God has done for us through His Son, Jesus Christ!
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Christmas Bible Verses & Scripture Story
What is Christmas? True Meaning and Holiday History
Christmas Eve History and Traditions
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