To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.
Video
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_U2G8wsbXBo
Story Behind the Song
This song was written by Mark Lowry in 1984 when his pastor asked him to write the music for a living Christmas Tree celebration. The music was done by Buddy Greene. The first person to record the song was Michael English. It appeared on his 1992 debut album named Michael English. Versions of the song have also been recorded by Kathy Mattea, Wynonna Judd & Kenny Rogers, Clay Aiken, Billy Dean, Go Fish, Gary Chapman and many others.
Commentary & Analysis
This is one of my favorite Christmas songs as it tells the events and story of Christmas from the perspective not of a venerated Mary, but from the perspective of a young girl giving birth to the Lord of Lords and King of Kings. The Bible does not tell us how much Mary knew about her soon to be born son. Angels appeared to her and told her He would be the Son of God. It is interesting to sit down and try to put yourself in the place of many of these biblical characters and imagine what they thought, what they felt, and what they experienced.
I enjoy the juxtaposition in the song of common everyday events of motherhood against the fact that this was not ordinary baby. Every mother wonders about their child’s future. Did Mary know her son would walk on water? Every mother remembers the delivery of their child. May wife and I were talking about this just the other day. Did Mary know that the physical delivery of her child would eventually lead to her eternal delivery? Every mother has held their sleep baby and gently kissed his forehead. Did Mary know that in that moment she was kissing the face of the great I am.
Thinking about all that Mary experienced, not because there was anything special about her but because God chose her, it is easy to understand why the angel Gabriel called her “O favored one!”
Questions for Further Reflection / Devotion
- Take a few moments this Christmas season to reflect on the events of Christmas from different perspectives. For example, from the perspective of:
- Mary
- Joseph
- Mary’s parents
- The shepherds
- The Inn Keeper
- Those traveling with Joseph and Mary
- Elizabeth
- Parents, take a few moments to talk to children about their own births and how they might have compared to Jesus’ birth. Mothers, talk to your kids about how you felt at the time of their births and how Mary might have felt. Fathers, talk about your own experience and how it might have compared to Joseph’s.
Lyrics
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.
Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.
The blind will see, the deaf will hear and the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.
Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.