This is one of the most popular hymns in the festive season and one that is often the first carol at a carol concert sung by a boy soprano. It was written by Cecil Frances Alexander (1818‑1895) in 1848. She was born in Ireland and married the Anglican Primate of Ireland. She wrote many poems and hymns. The following are scriptures thought to have been in the mind of the composer while writing the famous words:

Luke 2:1‑4 It came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...and all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house...of David.)

Micah 5:2‑5 Thou, Bethlehem Ephratah.though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Ephesians 6:1‑3 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise ;) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Philippians 2:5‑8 (ESV) Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 4:14‑16 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Its hymn tune Irby was composed by H. J. Gauntlett (1805‑1876) in 1849. He was born in Shropshire and was a prominent organist as well as a prolific composer of hymn tunes such as Houghton, Newington and St. Alphege. He died in Kensington in West London.