All-4-One - Mary's Little Boy Child Lyrics
Lyrics
Long time ago in Bethlehem
so the holy bible say
Mary's boy child Jesus Christ
was born on Christmas day
hark now hear the angels sing
(a) new king born today
and man will live for evermore
because of Christmas day
trumpets sound and angels sing
listen what they say
that man will live for evermore
because of Christmas day
while shepherds watch their flock by night
they see a bright new star
then hear a choir of angels sing
music seemed to come from afar
now Joseph and his wife Mary
come to Bethlehem that night
then find no place to lay the child
not a single room was in sight
hark now hear the angels sing
new king's born today
and man will live for evermore
because of Christmas day
trumpets sound and angels sing
listen what they say
that man will live for evermore
because of Christmas day
by and by they find a little nook
in a stable so all forlorn
and in a manger cold and dark
Mary's little boy was born
hark now hear the angels sing
new king born today
and man will live for evermore
because of Christmas day
Trumpets sound and angels sing
listen what they say
that man will live for evermore
because of Christmas day
Video
Mary's Little Boy Child
Meaning & Inspiration
All-4-One’s rendition of "Mary's Little Boy Child," released on September 5, 1995, as a centerpiece of their album *An All-4-One Christmas*, offers a tender yet powerful narration of the nativity. Far from being merely another seasonal tune, this song serves as a lyrical pilgrimage back to Bethlehem, inviting us to contemplate the singular event that forever altered the course of human history. It unpacks the profound truth that the birth of a humble child in a stable brought forth an eternal promise, echoing through generations with a message of hope and redemption.
The essence of "Mary's Little Boy Child" lies in its simple, yet profound, retelling of the Christmas story. It recounts the journey to Bethlehem, the lack of room for Joseph and Mary, and the eventual birth of Jesus in a lowly manger, surrounded by the glory of God. The narrative begins by grounding us in the historical reality mentioned in the Holy Bible, reminding us that "Long time ago in Bethlehem... Mary's boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day." This opening immediately establishes the historical and theological weight of the event. The song then elevates this historical account with the heavenly announcement, as angels proclaim the birth of a "new king" whose arrival means that "man will live for evermore because of Christmas day." This recurring declaration is not just a joyful expression but the central theological cornerstone of the entire piece, linking Christ's birth directly to the gift of eternal life.
Delving deeper into the song's message reveals its rich scriptural tapestry. The imagery of angels singing and trumpets sounding encapsulates the heavenly celebration surrounding Christ's advent, as described in Luke 2:13-14, where a "multitude of the heavenly host" praised God, saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" The song's portrayal of shepherds watching their flocks by night and witnessing a "bright new star" before hearing the "choir of angels sing" blends elements from both the shepherd's account in Luke (Luke 2:8-12) and the wise men's encounter with the star in Matthew (Matthew 2:1-2), synthesizing them to underscore the celestial testimony to this miraculous birth. The poignant detail of Joseph and Mary finding "no place to lay the child, not a single room was in sight" before discovering a "little nook in a stable... and in a manger cold and dark Mary's little boy was born" directly reflects Luke 2:7: "and she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." This humble setting paradoxically highlights the immense significance of the child, fulfilling the prophecy of Micah 5:2 concerning Bethlehem as the birthplace of the ruler of Israel.
The profound spiritual message, "man will live for evermore because of Christmas day," consistently woven throughout the song, stands as its most potent declaration. This is not merely about a historical celebration but about the profound spiritual implications of the Incarnation. The birth of Jesus, the "new king," is presented as the very foundation of humanity's hope for eternal life. This truth resonates with John 3:16, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." The "Christmas day" referenced here is not simply a date on a calendar but represents the divine initiative, the moment God stepped into human history in the person of Jesus Christ to offer salvation. Romans 6:23 further clarifies this: "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." All-4-One’s presentation powerfully connects the seemingly simple narrative of a baby's birth to the monumental promise of redemption and everlasting communion with God. The group’s smooth harmonies elevate this divine story, allowing the message of Christ’s kingly birth and its eternal implications to settle deeply within the spirit, inspiring reflection on the enduring power and promise of that silent, holy night.