“A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

“A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson first appeared in the early 17th century and was included in his collection of religious poetry, reflecting his later turn toward spiritual themes. The poem celebrates the miraculous birth of Christ, emphasizing his divine and redemptive nature. Through vivid imagery and lyrical reverence, Jonson portrays Christ as both the “author of life and light” and a humble infant laid in a manger, a paradox that underscores the mystery of the Incarnation. The poem’s central themes include divine wisdom, obedience, salvation, and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. Jonson’s use of rhythmic, hymn-like structure and simple yet profound diction enhances its devotional quality, making it a popular piece for religious reflection. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its heartfelt meditation on Christ’s role as the “price of sin,” whose birth brings “comfort” and hope to humanity. The rhetorical question in the closing lines—”Can man forget the story?”—reinforces its central message: the Nativity is not just an event but a transformative story of salvation that should never be forgotten.

Text: “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

I sing the birth was born to-night
The author both of life and light;
The angels so did sound it.
And like the ravished shepherds said,
Who saw the light, and were afraid,
Yet searched, and true they found it.

The Son of God, th’ eternal king,
That did us all salvation bring,
And freed the soul from danger;
He whom the whole world could not take,
The Word, which heaven and earth did make,
Was now laid in a manger.

The Father’s wisdom willed it so,
The Son’s obedience knew no No,
Both wills were in one stature;
And as that wisdom had decreed.
The Word was now made flesh indeed.
And took on him our nature.

What comfort by him do we win.
Who made himself the price of sin.
To make us heirs of glory!
To see this babe all innocence;
A martyr born in our defence:
Can man forget the story?

Annotations: “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

Line	Simple Explanation	Literary Devices
I sing the birth was born to-night	The speaker is singing about Christ’s birth, which happened on this night.	Alliteration (“birth was born”), Repetition (“born to-night”)
The author both of life and light;	Christ is the creator of life and the source of spiritual light.	Metaphor (Christ as “author”), Alliteration (“life and light”)
The angels so did sound it.	Angels announced Christ’s birth.	Imagery (heavenly announcement)
And like the ravished shepherds said,	The shepherds were amazed and overjoyed.	Simile (“like the ravished shepherds”)
Who saw the light, and were afraid,	The shepherds saw the divine light and felt fear.	Imagery (light), Contrast (fear and joy)
Yet searched, and true they found it.	Despite their fear, the shepherds sought and found the truth.	Contrast (fear vs. faith)
The Son of God, th’ eternal king,	Jesus is both the Son of God and the eternal king.	Epithets (“Son of God,” “eternal king”)
That did us all salvation bring,	Christ came to bring salvation to humanity.	Enjambment (flow of meaning into the next line)
And freed the soul from danger;	He saves souls from sin and damnation.	Metaphor (spiritual danger)
He whom the whole world could not take,	Christ, as the divine Word, is too great for the world.	Hyperbole (world unable to contain Christ)
The Word, which heaven and earth did make,	Christ, as the Word of God, created heaven and earth.	Biblical allusion (John 1:1), Personification (“The Word”)
Was now laid in a manger.	The divine Christ was born in a humble manger.	Contrast (divinity vs. humility), Imagery (manger)
The Father’s wisdom willed it so,	God’s wisdom planned for Christ’s birth.	Personification (wisdom as having will)
The Son’s obedience knew no No,	Jesus obeyed God without hesitation.	Alliteration (“knew no No”), Personification (obedience)
Both wills were in one stature;	The will of God and Jesus were united.	Philosophical imagery (unity of wills)
And as that wisdom had decreed.	God’s wisdom decided this.	Personification (wisdom as a planner)
The Word was now made flesh indeed.	Christ, the divine Word, became human.	Biblical allusion (John 1:14)
And took on him our nature.	Jesus took human form to be like us.	Incarnation theme
What comfort by him do we win,	We receive comfort from Christ’s sacrifice.	Rhetorical question
Who made himself the price of sin.	Jesus sacrificed himself to pay for human sins.	Metaphor (Christ as a ransom)
To make us heirs of glory!	Christ’s sacrifice grants us eternal salvation.	Religious imagery (inheritance of glory)
To see this babe all innocence;	The newborn Christ is pure and innocent.	Contrast (innocence vs. sacrifice)
A martyr born in our defence:	Jesus was born to die for humanity’s sins.	Paradox (born to die), Religious imagery
Can man forget the story?	The poem ends by urging people to remember Christ’s birth.	Rhetorical question

Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

Literary Device	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Alliteration	“life and light”, “knew no No”	The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words creates rhythm and musicality.
Allusion	“The Word, which heaven and earth did make”	A biblical reference to John 1:1, where Christ is described as “The Word.”
Anaphora	“The Word was now made flesh indeed. / And took on him our nature.”	The repetition of “The Word” at the beginning of successive lines emphasizes Christ’s divine nature.
Assonance	“He whom the whole world could not take”	The repetition of vowel sounds in whole, world, and could creates a melodic effect.
Biblical Imagery	“The angels so did sound it.”	Vivid descriptions related to biblical themes, here referencing the angelic announcement of Christ’s birth.
Contrast	“He whom the whole world could not take, / Was now laid in a manger.”	A stark contrast between Christ’s omnipotence and his humble birth.
Couplet	“To see this babe all innocence; / A martyr born in our defence.”	Two consecutive lines with end rhymes create a structured, rhythmic effect.
Diction (Elevated Language)	“The Son of God, th’ eternal king, / That did us all salvation bring”	The choice of formal and reverent words enhances the solemn tone of the poem.
Enjambment	“That did us all salvation bring, / And freed the soul from danger;”	The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line helps maintain flow and urgency.
Epithets	“Th’ eternal king”	A descriptive title emphasizes Christ’s divine status.
Hyperbole	“He whom the whole world could not take”	An exaggeration suggesting that Christ’s divine presence is beyond human containment.
Imagery	“Who saw the light, and were afraid”	The use of sensory details (light and fear) helps the reader visualize the scene.
Irony	“A martyr born in our defence.”	It is ironic that Christ, born as an innocent baby, is already destined for martyrdom.
Metaphor	“The author both of life and light”	Christ is metaphorically described as the author of life, meaning he is the creator.
Paradox	“A martyr born in our defence.”	The paradox lies in Christ being born to die for humanity’s sins.
Personification	“The Father’s wisdom willed it so.”	Wisdom is given human qualities, as if it has its own will.
Repetition	“The Word was now made flesh indeed.”	The phrase “The Word” is repeated to emphasize the concept of Christ’s divine nature.
Rhetorical Question	“Can man forget the story?”	A question posed to the reader to provoke reflection on Christ’s birth and sacrifice.
Symbolism	“And took on him our nature.”	Christ taking human form symbolizes divine love and the doctrine of Incarnation.
Tone (Reverent & Worshipful)	“What comfort by him do we win, / Who made himself the price of sin.”	The tone conveys deep admiration and gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice.

Themes: “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

• The Incarnation and Divine Paradox: In “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson, the theme of the Incarnation is central, emphasizing the paradox of Christ’s divinity and humanity. The poem reflects on the mystery of how “He whom the whole world could not take, / The Word, which heaven and earth did make, / Was now laid in a manger.” This stark contrast highlights the humility of Christ’s birth despite his divine nature. Jonson marvels at how the infinite and omnipotent Creator chose to take on human form, submitting to the limitations of mortality. The paradox of an eternal King being born as a helpless infant underscores the Christian belief in God’s profound love and sacrifice. The poet portrays this divine act as the fulfillment of God’s wisdom (“The Father’s wisdom willed it so”) and Christ’s obedience (“The Son’s obedience knew no No”), reinforcing the theological foundation of the Incarnation—God becoming flesh to dwell among humanity.
• Salvation and Redemption: In “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson, the theme of salvation and redemption is woven throughout, emphasizing Christ’s birth as the beginning of humanity’s deliverance from sin. The poem declares, “The Son of God, th’ eternal king, / That did us all salvation bring, / And freed the soul from danger.” Here, Jonson presents Christ not just as a newborn but as the Savior who has come to rescue humanity from spiritual peril. The reference to “the price of sin” implies the doctrine of atonement—Jesus was born to suffer and die in place of humankind. The final rhetorical question, “Can man forget the story?”, serves as a direct appeal to the reader, urging them to remember and appreciate the significance of Christ’s birth as an act of divine grace. This theme ties into the larger Christian narrative of redemption, where Jesus’ birth, life, and ultimate sacrifice are seen as God’s gift to mankind.
• Divine Will and Obedience: In “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson, the theme of divine will and obedience is explored through the interplay between God the Father and God the Son. The poet highlights how Christ’s coming into the world was not by accident but was a deliberate fulfillment of divine wisdom: “The Father’s wisdom willed it so, / The Son’s obedience knew no No.” This conveys the idea that Christ willingly accepted his mission to save humanity, aligning his will perfectly with that of God. The phrase “Both wills were in one stature” emphasizes the unity between the Father and the Son, reinforcing theological doctrines of divine purpose and Christ’s voluntary submission to God’s plan. Through this theme, Jonson presents Christ as an ideal model of obedience and self-sacrifice, fulfilling the prophecy that “the Word was now made flesh indeed, / And took on him our nature.” This theme not only highlights Christ’s humility but also serves as an implicit call for believers to align their own will with God’s.
• Light as a Symbol of Divine Truth: In “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson, light serves as a symbol of divine truth and revelation, playing a crucial role in conveying the significance of Christ’s birth. The poet writes, “I sing the birth was born to-night, / The author both of life and light.” Here, Christ is depicted as the source of both physical and spiritual enlightenment, reinforcing biblical themes where light represents purity, truth, and salvation. The shepherds’ experience further illustrates this symbolism: “Who saw the light, and were afraid, / Yet searched, and true they found it.” Their initial fear of the divine light gives way to understanding, symbolizing humanity’s journey from ignorance to faith. The imagery of light throughout the poem emphasizes Christ as the ultimate truth-bringer, illuminating the path to salvation. By contrasting light and darkness, Jonson aligns with traditional Christian themes where Christ dispels spiritual blindness and guides believers toward eternal glory.

Literary Theories and “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

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1. Formalist Theory (New Criticism)

Literary Theory	Application to the Poem	References from the Poem
Formalist (New Criticism)	This approach focuses on the structure, language, and literary devices within the poem rather than historical or external influences. It examines the poem’s form, rhyme scheme, and imagery.	Jonson employs rhymed couplets, creating a hymn-like structure. The poem’s balanced meter and repetition reinforce its meditative and solemn tone. The use of paradox, such as “He whom the whole world could not take, / Was now laid in a manger,” highlights Christ’s dual nature—both divine and human.
Imagery & Symbolism	The poem uses light imagery to symbolize divine truth and revelation. The contrast between the grandeur of Christ and his humble birth reflects the theological mystery of the Incarnation.	“I sing the birth was born to-night, / The author both of life and light.” The symbol of light here represents Christ as a guiding spiritual force.
Sound & Rhythm	The poem’s musicality and hymn-like repetition enhance its devotional quality.	“Can man forget the story?” The rhetorical question and repetition engage the reader emotionally and intellectually.

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2. Historical-Biographical Theory

Literary Theory	Application to the Poem	References from the Poem
Historical-Biographical	This theory considers how Jonson’s personal life, religious beliefs, and the socio-religious context of 17th-century England influenced the poem.	Jonson converted to Catholicism in 1610 but later returned to Anglicanism. His religious transformation likely shaped the poem’s intense devotion to Christ’s birth.
Religious Climate	During Jonson’s time, England was divided between Protestantism and Catholicism. The poem’s universal Christian themes reflect the era’s deep theological concerns.	“The Father’s wisdom willed it so, / The Son’s obedience knew no No.” This reflects the doctrine of divine sovereignty, a theme heavily debated during Jonson’s time.
Jonson’s Personal Struggles	Jonson faced hardships, including imprisonment and financial instability. His later works, including this poem, reflect his search for spiritual solace and redemption.	“What comfort by him do we win, / Who made himself the price of sin.” This suggests personal reflection on salvation and suffering.

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3. Theological (Christian Literary Criticism)

Literary Theory	Application to the Poem	References from the Poem
Theological (Christian Literary Criticism)	This approach interprets the poem through the lens of Christian doctrine, particularly the significance of Christ’s birth, obedience, and sacrifice.	The poem emphasizes the Incarnation, presenting Christ as both eternal king and humble infant.
Doctrine of the Incarnation	Jonson highlights Christ’s divine nature and human vulnerability, reinforcing Christian theology.	“The Word was now made flesh indeed, / And took on him our nature.” This directly references John 1:14, a core biblical verse on the Incarnation.
Salvation and Atonement	The poem presents Christ’s birth as the first step toward salvation, foreshadowing his sacrifice.	“A martyr born in our defence.” This suggests Christ was born to die for humanity’s sins, aligning with Christian beliefs on atonement.

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4. Reader-Response Theory

Literary Theory	Application to the Poem	References from the Poem
Reader-Response Theory	This theory focuses on how readers interpret the poem based on their own beliefs, emotions, and experiences. Different readers may respond to the themes of redemption, light, and sacrifice in unique ways.	A devout Christian reader might see the poem as a reaffirmation of faith, while a secular reader might appreciate its poetic beauty and reflection on human humility.
Emotional Appeal	The poem directly engages readers with rhetorical questions and calls to remembrance.	“Can man forget the story?” This line forces the reader to actively reflect on the significance of Christ’s birth.
Universality vs. Personal Connection	While the poem follows Christian doctrine, its themes of sacrifice, humility, and light can resonate with broader audiences beyond Christianity.	The contrast between fear and faith (“Who saw the light, and were afraid, / Yet searched, and true they found it.”) speaks to the universal human journey of doubt and discovery.

Critical Questions about “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

• How does “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson use paradox to emphasize the mystery of the Incarnation?
• In “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson, paradox is used to highlight the mystery of the Incarnation, presenting Christ as both divine and human. The poet captures this contradiction by stating, “He whom the whole world could not take, / The Word, which heaven and earth did make, / Was now laid in a manger.” This paradox emphasizes that the infinite and all-powerful Creator has taken the form of a helpless infant, making his humility and grandeur exist simultaneously. Another striking paradox appears in the line, “A martyr born in our defence,” implying that Christ’s birth was already tied to his sacrificial death. These juxtapositions force the reader to reflect on the theological mystery of the Incarnation—how God, beyond human limitations, chose to enter the world as a vulnerable child. By using paradox, Jonson deepens the reader’s sense of awe and faith, compelling them to contemplate the divine mystery that cannot be easily understood. This literary technique makes the message of the poem both profound and thought-provoking, inviting readers to grapple with the significance of Christ’s birth in a way that transcends mere celebration.
• In what ways does “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson reflect the idea of divine will and human obedience?
• In “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson, the theme of divine will and obedience is central, emphasizing Christ’s submission to God’s plan. The poet highlights this in the lines, “The Father’s wisdom willed it so, / The Son’s obedience knew no No, / Both wills were in one stature.” Here, Jonson portrays Christ as fully accepting his mission, aligning his will with that of the Father. This theological idea reflects the belief that Jesus did not resist his role in humanity’s salvation but embraced it out of divine love. The poem presents obedience not as passive submission but as an active fulfillment of God’s wisdom. Jonson’s depiction suggests that obedience to divine will is not just an expectation for Christ but also a model for humanity, encouraging believers to align themselves with God’s greater plan. By framing Christ’s birth as a fulfillment of divine intent, the poem reinforces the theological doctrine of providence and the belief that salvation history unfolds according to God’s perfect wisdom.
• How does “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson use imagery to enhance its themes of light, truth, and revelation?
• In “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson, imagery plays a crucial role in reinforcing the themes of light, truth, and revelation. The poet repeatedly associates Christ with light, as seen in the lines, “I sing the birth was born to-night, / The author both of life and light.” This imagery aligns with the biblical description of Christ as the “Light of the World,” symbolizing divine truth and spiritual awakening. The poem also depicts the shepherds witnessing this divine revelation: “Who saw the light, and were afraid, / Yet searched, and true they found it.” This moment reflects the universal experience of encountering a profound truth—initial fear followed by understanding. The contrast between darkness (ignorance) and light (spiritual knowledge) illustrates Christ’s role in guiding humanity toward salvation. By emphasizing light imagery, Jonson enhances the reader’s perception of Christ’s birth as a moment of divine illumination, revealing the path to truth and redemption. The poem’s use of vivid imagery not only deepens its theological message but also makes the Nativity feel immediate and visually powerful for the reader.
• What role does memory and tradition play in “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson?
• In “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson, memory and tradition play a vital role in preserving the significance of Christ’s birth. The poem’s final line, “Can man forget the story?”, directly challenges the reader, emphasizing the importance of remembrance. This rhetorical question suggests that the Nativity is not just a historical event but a foundational moment that must be continually recalled and honored. Jonson’s poem itself serves as an act of remembrance, written in the style of a hymn—a form traditionally used to retell sacred stories in Christian worship. The repetition of theological themes, such as salvation and divine obedience, reinforces the idea that Christ’s birth is a moment meant to be revisited in faith and devotion. By urging believers to remember the Nativity, Jonson highlights how religious traditions function as a means of keeping divine truths alive across generations. The poem thus acts as both a personal meditation and a communal call to ensure that Christ’s birth remains central to Christian faith and worship.

Literary Works Similar to “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

1. “On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity” – John Milton
   Similar in its exaltation of Christ’s birth, Milton’s poem also blends theological reflection with rich imagery, emphasizing the Incarnation and divine glory.
2. “A Christmas Carol” – Christina Rossetti
   Like Jonson’s poem, Rossetti’s work meditates on the humility of Christ’s birth and the spiritual significance of the Nativity, using simple yet profound religious devotion.
3. “Hymn for Christmas Day” – Charles Wesley
   Wesley’s hymn shares Jonson’s focus on Christ’s role as Savior, using structured, hymn-like verses to celebrate the divine purpose of Jesus’ birth.
4. “In the Bleak Midwinter” – Christina Rossetti
   Though more introspective, this poem echoes Jonson’s theme of Christ’s humble birth and the paradox of divinity entering the world in poverty.
5. “Nativity” – John Donne
   Donne, like Jonson, employs paradox and theological depth to explore the mystery of Christ’s birth, portraying the Incarnation as both miraculous and sacrificial.

Representative Quotations of “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“I sing the birth was born to-night”	The opening line establishes the poem as a hymn of praise for Christ’s birth, emphasizing its immediacy and significance.	Formalist Theory – Highlights the poem’s musical and celebratory structure.
“The author both of life and light”	Christ is described as the creator of both existence and spiritual truth, reinforcing his divine role.	Theological Criticism – Affirms the Christian belief in Christ as the divine Logos (Word).
“The angels so did sound it.”	References the angelic proclamation of Christ’s birth, linking the poem to biblical accounts of the Nativity.	Historical-Biographical Criticism – Reflects 17th-century religious devotion and liturgical tradition.
“Who saw the light, and were afraid, / Yet searched, and true they found it.”	Describes the shepherds’ reaction to the divine revelation, illustrating faith overcoming fear.	Reader-Response Theory – Engages the reader’s own journey of doubt and discovery.
“The Son of God, th’ eternal king, / That did us all salvation bring”	Establishes Christ’s dual identity as both ruler and redeemer, underscoring his divine mission.	Theological Criticism – Reinforces the doctrine of salvation through Christ.
“He whom the whole world could not take, / Was now laid in a manger.”	A paradox emphasizing Christ’s infinite nature contained in human form, showcasing divine humility.	Deconstruction – Highlights the contradiction between power and vulnerability.
“The Father’s wisdom willed it so, / The Son’s obedience knew no No.”	Depicts Christ’s willing submission to divine will, aligning with Christian teachings on obedience.	Moral Criticism – Presents obedience as a model for human virtue.
“The Word was now made flesh indeed, / And took on him our nature.”	Directly references the Incarnation, affirming the belief that Christ became human to redeem mankind.	Theological Criticism – Connects to biblical theology, particularly John 1:14.
“What comfort by him do we win, / Who made himself the price of sin.”	Highlights the redemptive purpose of Christ’s sacrifice, offering reassurance to believers.	Psychoanalytic Criticism – Examines the emotional and psychological comfort derived from salvation.
“Can man forget the story?”	A rhetorical question urging remembrance of Christ’s birth, reinforcing the importance of religious tradition.	Cultural Criticism – Addresses the role of collective memory and faith in shaping societal values.

Suggested Readings: “A Hymn on the Nativity of My Saviour” by Ben Jonson

1. Cain, Tom, and Ruth Connolly. The Poems of Ben Jonson. Routledge, 2021.
2. Frank, Catherine, editor. “Every Year.” Quotations for All Occasions, Columbia University Press, 2000, pp. 3–84. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/10.7312/fran11290.4. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
3. PRITCHARD, WILLIAM H. “Ben Jonson: Poet.” The Hudson Review, vol. 65, no. 1, 2012, pp. 43–54. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23241316. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
4. Fraser, Russell. “Ben Jonson’s Poetry.” The Sewanee Review, vol. 101, no. 4, 1993, pp. 489–507. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/27546765. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
5. CLARK, IRA. “Ben Jonson’s Imitation.” Criticism, vol. 20, no. 2, 1978, pp. 107–27. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/23102646. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.