Zion, the Marvelous Story Be Telling

“Zion, the Marvelous Story Be Telling” is an expressive hymn by William Augustus Muhlenberg that celebrates the good news of Christ’s birth. Drawing from Luke 2:10-11, where the angels announce the birth of the Savior to the shepherds, Muhlenberg’s hymn encourages the church to proclaim and rejoice in the marvelous story of salvation. The hymn portrays Zion—the church or the people of God—as the bearer of this joyful message, calling believers to share the tidings of God’s mercy and love with the world.

Muhlenberg emphasizes both the wonder and the responsibility of the church in spreading the gospel. The hymn invites worshippers to remember the miraculous nature of Christ’s incarnation and to respond with praise, gratitude, and active proclamation. By focusing on the “marvelous story,” Muhlenberg directs attention to the significance of God’s work in history, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the hope brought to humanity through Jesus Christ.

The hymn also fosters a sense of communal devotion. The singing and storytelling reflect the unity of believers as they collectively celebrate the coming of the Savior. Muhlenberg encourages the church to be vocal and joyful in its worship, to testify to God’s goodness, and to ensure that the message of salvation reaches both old and young, near and far.