The haunting Christmas song, “Mary Did You Know?” reflects the true meaning of the Christmas season. In a nation that has become obsessed with giving and receiving gifts, holding parties, and promoting “Frosty the Snowman,” Santa Claus, and mostly focusing on “what do I want for Christmas?”, it’s good to be reminded of the “real” reason for this season. In my mind, the lyrics in the song “Mary Did You Know?” does a terrific job of bringing that idea back to us. This season, it would be a good idea to reflect on what’s really important. Of course, family and friends are an important area of our lives to nurture. One never knows how long any of us will be here to spend time together. We’ve recently lost several of our loved ones – and don’t we wish we could just spend some “quality” time with them once more?
But the greatest impact on our lives happened some 2,000 years ago, in a manger in Bethlehem. God Himself chose to send His only begotten Son to be a baby, grow up like the rest of humankind and experience all that is truly human in the way of sorrow, pain, laughter and joy. And it all started with a young virgin, Mary, who humbly accepted the role she was asked to play by God through His angel Gabriel.
This is a season for rejoicing that He loved us so much that He sent His beloved Son to take our place in death, so that we can become sons and daughters of the King – and live forever! This indeed is cause to leap for joy! All that happens to us during our very brief stint on earth cannot compare to the awesome adventure we will have in eternity.
As I grow a little older – and perhaps a little wiser – I realize how quickly this life experience happens. It just seems like yesterday that I was a teenager; and now, I’m into my 70s! Wow, it went so quickly!! I haven’t done all the things, nor seen all the places, nor had time with all the people I love, and my time is almost up here. And then, I focus on the adventure ahead – the meeting face-to-face with my Savior, who willingly gave up His life so that I could live! Amazing.
Jesus’ short time here on the earth was full: Full of teaching, showing, healing. He died for us. He rose again as a human being, transformed, to head for the heavenlies. He’ll come back to get us. And to judge. And to reign.
But, the journey had to begin somewhere. That’s why we celebrate Christmas. It may not be the exact date and time He was actually born; but that doesn’t matter, really. It’s the fact that we DO celebrate His birth. So, pay attention to the lyrics of the song made famous by Songwriters: Lamont Savory / Buddy Greene / Mark Lowry / Courick Clarke / William Barclay / Wayne Buchanan and made famous by a number of performers.
MARY DID YOU KNOW?
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?
Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know?
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
Mary did you know, Mary did you know, Mary did you know?
Songwriters: Lamont Savory / Buddy Greene / Mark Lowry / Courick Clarke / William Barclay / Wayne Buchanan
Mary, Did You Know? lyrics © Capitol Christian Music Group