Unto Us a Boy is Born

Unto Us a Boy is Born (also known as Unto Us is Born a Son) is a medieval Latin Christmas hymn that was preserved and later translated into English by Percy Dearmer in the early twentieth century. The hymn originated from the plainsong tradition, sung in monastic settings during the medieval period. Dearmer’s translation, appearing in The Oxford Book of Carols in 1928, brought this ancient text into modern English hymnody, allowing congregations to experience its beauty and theological richness.

The carol emphasizes the Incarnation of Christ as the fulfillment of prophecy, echoing the words of Isaiah 9:6. It portrays Jesus as the divine Child born in Bethlehem, both human and divine, who comes to bring salvation to all nations. The hymn balances the simplicity of a child’s birth with the majesty of Christ as the eternal King. Its words invite worshippers to marvel at the humility of the manger while acknowledging the glory of the Son who reigns forever.

Through Dearmer’s careful and reverent translation, the hymn has been preserved as a timeless expression of Christmas worship. It remains popular in Anglican and ecumenical hymnals, often sung in cathedral services, carol festivals, and Christmas liturgies. Its plainchant melody, haunting and solemn, continues to connect modern worshippers with the medieval church’s reverence for the mystery of the Incarnation.