(April 2, 1805–August 4, 1875), was a Danish novelist and story-writer. He authored many fairy tales, including The Ugly Duckling, The Emperor’s New Clothes and The Tinder Box. In his autobiography, entitled The Fairy Tale of My Life, 1855, Hans Christian Andersen wrote:
Depressed in spirit, I took up my Bible, which lay before me, for an oracle; opened it, pointed blindly at a place, and read: “O Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself; but in Me is thine help.” (Hosea.) Yes, Father, I am weak, but Thou lookest into my heart and wilt be my help.
Here also (Copenhagen) I obtained a place, after I had given seven pieces. The different periods of my life passed before me. I knelt down upon the stage and repeated our Lord’s Prayer, just at the spot where I now sit amongst the first and distinguished men. Humility and prayer unto God for strength to deserve happiness, filled my heart. May He always enable me to preserve these feelings.2205
Hans Christian Andersen wrote what has become one of Denmark’s best-known carols, entitled “Barn (Child) Jesus”:
Child Jesus came to earth this day,
To save us sinners dying
And cradled in the straw and hay
The Holy One is lying.
The star shines down the child to greet,
The lowing oxen kiss his feet.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Child Jesus!
Take courage, Soul so weak and worn,
Thy sorrows have departed.
A Child in David’s town is born,
To heal the broken hearted.
Then let us haste this child to find
And children be in heart and mind.
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, Child Jesus!2206