To view the entire 2011 Christmas Carol Advent check out our Christmas Carol Advent index page.
Video
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMpM7_X0VW0&feature=results_main&playnext=1&list=PL12152EC0ADBE436F
Story Behind the Song
Written by Rob Mathis, this song made its debut on the 1996 Christmas album named Star Bright from former Miss America Vanessa Williams. The album was nominated for a 1997 Grammy Award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel album.
Commentary & Analysis
This song reveals a plea to God and juxtaposes common questions against biblical truth in the form of a series of rhetorical questions.
Do you really know who I am?
How can an all powerful God who holds the very universe together in His hand know us – His lowly creation? Of course, the Bible tells us that God knows us intimately. He knows our thoughts and our actions. There is nowhere that we can hide from Him. Indeed, even the hairs on our head are numbered. How comforting is it to know that we are known by Him?
Will you answer when I call your name?
Who are we to talk to the Almighty God? Again, the Bible tells us that God desires us to pray and hears our prayers. Though He may not always answer the way we would like, we can rest comfortably knowing that God hears and answers all prayers from His people.
Why for me?
Why would the King of the Universe give it all up to be born as a baby in a manger and die for my sins? God’s love and grace and mercy are so great that He came to earth, forsaking everything He was entitled to, to die. And, that death was for us, but more importantly, it was for me. My Savior died for me on the cross that day. Let us never forget that!
Questions for Further Reflection / Devotion
- Do you ever wonder why God does the things he does?
- When you think about Christmas, do you ever concentrate on what God did for YOU or do you think of it in more general terms?
- We live in world that is quick to celebrate the birth of Jesus but also writes off the account of that birth as little more than fairy tale. Why do you think that is?
Lyrics
Gracious good shepherd
Do you really know who I am?
Gracious good shepherd
Will you answer when I call your name?
Gracious good shepherd
You can hear confusion crying out
Gracious good shepherd
What little faith I have I am ashamed
I visualize an angel
All freezing and bitter cold
I cannot believe the love there
What heavenly sacrifice
Gracious good shepherd
If you hear me now, I love you so
Gracious good shepherd
Why for me?
Gracious good shepherd
You say you love the lost born
Gracious good shepherd
I believe that one is me
Some tell me the virgin birth is
A beautiful ancient tale
But you tell me god’s constellation
Led all to the living well
Gracious good shepherd
If you hear me now, I love you so
Gracious good shepherd
Why, why for me?
Gracious good shepherd
Do you really know who I am?
Gracious good shepherd
Will you answer when I call your name?
Gracious good shepherd
These are different times, I’m sure you see
Gracious good shepherd
We need, you now