Birthday of a King

Christmas Carol Lyric

In the little village of Bethlehem
There lay a child one day
And the sky was bright
With a holy light
O'er the place where Jesus lay.

Alleluia
O how the angels sang!
Alleluia
How it rang!
And the sky was bright
With a holy light
'Twas the birthday of a King.

Humble birthplace
But O
How much God gave to us that day!
From the manger bed what a path has led
What a perfect holy way.

Alleluia
O how the angels sang!
Alleluia
How it rang!
And the sky was bright
With a Holy light
'Twas the birthday of a King.

About This Carol

Birthday of a King is a reverent Christmas song that reflects on the humble birth of Jesus in Bethlehem with a sense of awe and gratitude. It was written in the late 19th century by William Harold Neidlinger, a composer known for both sacred and secular works. The song first appeared in the early 1900s and has since become a cherished part of many traditional holiday performances.

Unlike some carols that are boisterous or playful, Birthday of a King carries a more solemn, worshipful tone. It opens with the quiet simplicity of a stable and gently rises into a joyful declaration of Jesus’ birth, honoring both the lowly setting and the majesty of the moment. Its message resonates deeply with those who celebrate the spiritual heart of Christmas.

The song has been recorded by numerous vocalists over the decades, especially within classical and church music circles. Perhaps most famously, it was performed by renowned operatic tenor David Phelps and gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, helping to introduce the song to broader audiences.

Whether sung by a soloist in a candlelit service or included in a choir’s Christmas program, Birthday of a King remains a moving reminder that even the quietest moments can carry divine significance.

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