Merry Christmas Everyone!

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor,
Mighty God, Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6 NIV from CrossWalk


As a parent, two modern Christmas songs have really spoken to me. One is from Mary's perspective and the other from Joseph's. I'll share the lyrics here with you today. Mary Did You Know? is written by Mark Lowry, an energetic, ADHD, Christian comedian who is a talented writer and sings as well. Many people know him from the Gaither music specials. I have Mary's song on a Christmas CD from Kathy Mattea.

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
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?
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've 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?
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?



Joseph's Song by Michael Card also seems simple and powerful to me. Michael card is an incredible student of God's word and writer and musician. His music is so peaceful, convicting and edifying...all at once. I have seen him a few times in concern and he is so "real", I highly recommend the experience. It does not surprise me at all that Joseph's Song would come from his pen.

Chorus 1
How could it be this baby in my arms
Sleeping now, so peacefully
The Son of God, the angel said
How could it be
Lord I know He's not my own
Not of my flesh, not of my bone
Still Father let this baby be
The son of my love

Chorus 2
Father show me where I fit into this plan of yours
How can a man be father to the Son of God
Lord for all my life I've been a simple carpenter
How can I raise a king, How can I raise a king
He looks so small, His face and hands so fair
And when He cries the sun just seems to disappear
But when He laughs it shines again
How could it be

Both of these songs remind me that it's hard to be a parent, but God is always there to guide! My own children are going crazy this morning as most will do after opening presents and stockings! As my son reminds me though, "I like getting presents! But Christmas isn't just about presents Mom, it's about learning about God too!" Whatever celebrations and earthly traditions we all celebrate today, I hope we will not allow them to crowd out the little One who came to earth, probably not at Christmas, but still came to earth to give us the ultimate sacrifice of Love. I love you Internet Friends. You are a special part of my life. Merry Christmas!