And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)(KJV)
I wrote a Christmas song a few weeks ago and sang it in the Hanging of the Greens service. I've written many songs, and the vast majority of them are contemporary christian. I will usually write as the inspiration hits me, and I firmly believe that God gives me the songs and allows me to create them through His anointing. Sometimes I will struggle with an idea for a song, especially with lyrics, for quite some time before it comes to fruition. Other times, it's like God sends me an idea, and then all the words flow into my mind and the music comes together almost by itself. As I was putting together the music for the Hanging of the Greens service, I realized that I had never written a Christmas song. So the wheels started turning--so to speak--and God inspired me with these lyrics. Worship the child in the manger as you read:
Little child in a manger
born that first Christmas morn
We treated You like a stranger
but You knew us before we were born
Please forgive us for failing
to see who You truly are
And guide us like the three wise men
who came seeking You from afar
Shepherds out on the hillside
watching their flocks by night
The angel spoke and they trembled
surrounded by such a great light
"Please fear not for I bring you
tidings of great joy...
In the city of David is born now
Christ the baby boy"
Alleluia, Glory to, Glory to God in the Highest
Alleluia, Peace on earth, good will to men
Wise men came bearing treasure:
frankincense, gold and myrrh
They sought to worhsip King Jesus
the Maker of heaven and earth
They followed a star to the cradle
where they found a young virgin girl
And Mary just smiled as she gazed at
her Savior, the Light of the World
And they cried Alleluia, Glory to, glory to God in the highest
They sang Alleluia, Peace on earth good will to men
Little Child in a manger
born that first Christmas morn
We treated You like a stranger
but You knew us before we were born
Please forgive us for failing
to see who You truly are
And guide us like the three wise men
who came seeking You from afar
born that first Christmas morn
We treated You like a stranger
but You knew us before we were born
Please forgive us for failing
to see who You truly are
And guide us like the three wise men
who came seeking You from afar
Shepherds out on the hillside
watching their flocks by night
The angel spoke and they trembled
surrounded by such a great light
"Please fear not for I bring you
tidings of great joy...
In the city of David is born now
Christ the baby boy"
Alleluia, Glory to, Glory to God in the Highest
Alleluia, Peace on earth, good will to men
Wise men came bearing treasure:
frankincense, gold and myrrh
They sought to worhsip King Jesus
the Maker of heaven and earth
They followed a star to the cradle
where they found a young virgin girl
And Mary just smiled as she gazed at
her Savior, the Light of the World
And they cried Alleluia, Glory to, glory to God in the highest
They sang Alleluia, Peace on earth good will to men
Little Child in a manger
born that first Christmas morn
We treated You like a stranger
but You knew us before we were born
Please forgive us for failing
to see who You truly are
And guide us like the three wise men
who came seeking You from afar
You know the old saying you see on church signs around Christmas--"Wise men still seek Him." My prayer this Christmas is that all of us will keep our eyes on Jesus; and just like the wise men who were drawn to the cradle by a star that first Christmas, we will seek Him in worship.
Joey C.