4 MORE DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!
Video
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZ4FK1uXm_U
History
Mary’s Boy Child was written by Jester Hairston in 1956 and recorded by Harry Belafonte that same year.
Commentary & Analysis
This one is a little more offbeat as Christmas songs go, but I love the very first line in that it reminds us of our source of all truth when it comes to Christmas. No matter what society tries to change the holiday into, not matter what fallacies have come to be accepted because of their inclusion in Christmas songs, no matter how many stories are written are about Santa Claus and his elves, the only real source of information on Christmas is the Bible – “..so the Holy Bible say.”
This song presents Christmas in its simplest terms, a baby (Jesus) was born in a manger in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph on Christmas Day. Through his life, and death, we are reconciled to God, conquer death and live forever in his presence. The angels announced the coming of this eternal King to lowly shepherds.
Questions for further Reflection / Devotion
The following questions are meant for your reflection and or devotion. Feel free to meditate on them, discuss them with your family or others or post your responses here. I would love to hear from you.
- This song reminds us that the Baby Jesus was born in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn. Do you leave room in your heart for Jesus?
- What is your view of the Bible? Do you only read and accept those parts which you find easy to accept, or do you believe that it is all true and inspired by God?
- How important is the inerrancy of scripture to your faith?
- This song proclaims that man will live forevermore because of Christmas day. Do you believe this? Was there another way for God to save mankind which would not have involved Jesus taking on human form and dying on the cross for our sins? If so, why did he choose this option? If not, why not?
- This Christmas season, spend some time meditating on the saving work of Jesus Christ.
Lyrics
Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible say,
Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day.
Hark, now hear the angels sing, a new king born today,
And man will live forevermore, because of Christmas Day.
While shepherds watch their flocks by night, then see a bright new shining star,
then hear a choir sing a song, the music seemed to come from afar.
Now Joseph and his wife, Mary, come to Bethlehem that night,
and find no place to bear her child, not a single room was in sight.
Hark, now hear the angels sing, a new king born today,
And man will live forevermore, because of Christmas Day.
By and by they found a little nook in a stable all forlorn,
and in a manger cold and dark, Mary’s little boy was born.
Hark, now hear the angels sing, a new king born today,
And man will live forevermore, because of Christmas Day.
Wonderful song and message–thanks for posting.