Lyrics
Verse 1:
A King is born this day in Bethlehem,
Hallelujah!
No crown is worn but angels worship Him,
Halle, hallelujah!
Almighty God, so meek, so mild,
Salvation comes through this holy Child.
Chorus:
A King is born, (He is in the manger now)
A King is born,(humbly come and humbly bow)
A tiny Lord, (reaching out a tiny hand)
A King is born this day, in Bethlehem.
Verse 2:
His palace is lowly, His throne is made of hay,
Hallelujah! (Halle, hallelujah)
The shepherds bow down to see His holy face,
Halle, hallelujah!
Heaven is singing of peace on earth,
Filled with the wonder of this birth.
(Repeat Chorus)
Bridge:
Come humbly and humbly bow;
He's in the manger now
(Repeat 3 times)
(Repeat Verse 1)
(Repeat Chorus)
Chorus 2:
A King is born,
A King is born,
A tiny Lord,
A King is born this day in Bethlehem
This day in Bethlehem,
This day in Bethlehem.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
A King Is Born centers on the humility of Christ entering the world in Bethlehem. The contrast between royal identity and a manger gives the song its central image: the promised King appears without an earthly crown or palace. Angels, shepherds, and repeated hallelujahs frame the birth as an occasion for worship, while the description of the holy Child connects the scene with salvation and peace.
The call to bow before the manger presents reverence as the fitting response to this unexpected kingship. Its images closely echo the Bethlehem narrative in Luke 2, where the Savior is found lying in a manger and the heavenly host proclaims peace. The reference to a ruler born in Bethlehem also recalls Micah 5:2. Through these familiar Nativity details, the song celebrates divine majesty revealed through meekness and invites humble adoration of Christ as King.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:11-14 Angels announce the Savior born near Bethlehem and proclaim peace.
- Micah 5:2 The prophet identifies Bethlehem as the place from which a ruler will come.