It was 1983
On a snowy Christmas Eve
With my family
And the Christmas tree and lights
That was when it all went wrong
Someone turned the TV on
And the evening news
Broadcast the blues that night
But my dad saw my despair
He put his arm around me there
He said "Let me tell you this.
It's my lifelong Christmas wish."
He said,
If everyone believed
O what a happy place it would be
We'd live in peace on earth as a great big family
If everyone believed
Now the years have come and gone
But that Christmas wish lives on
It's the thing I pray
When the holidays draw near
You see the news is still real sad
And people, they're both good and bad
But you just might cope
If you spread some hope and cheer
So as we sing "Joy to the earth"
And celebrate the Saviour's birth
I pull my family close to me
And tell them how the world could be
If everyone believed
O what a happy place it would be
We'd live in peace on earth as a great big family
If everyone believed
And I know that it's easy to say
O but I'm gonna dream it anyway
Cause a dream becomes a song
And when we sing it we pass it on
If everyone believed
O what a happy place it would be
We'd live in peace on earth as a great big family
If everyone believed
If everyone believed
If Everyone Believed Video
If Everyone Believed Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
If Everyone Believed by David Phelps: Spreading Hope and Peace through Belief
Introduction:
"If Everyone Believed" is a powerful and uplifting song by Christian artist David Phelps. Released in 2005, this song carries a message of hope, peace, and unity in a world that often feels divided and chaotic. With its catchy melody and thought-provoking lyrics, the song encourages listeners to imagine a world where everyone believes in love, peace, and the power of faith.
Key Messages of the Song:
The song "If Everyone Believed" conveys several key messages that are chronologically presented in its lines. Let's explore these messages and their significance:
1. The Power of Christmas Wish:
The song begins by painting a scene of a snowy Christmas Eve in 1983, where the protagonist's family is gathered around the Christmas tree. However, the evening takes a turn when the TV broadcasts sad news. In this context, the protagonist's father offers a lifelong Christmas wish: if everyone believed, the world would be a happier place. This message highlights the power of belief and the potential for positive change when people come together with shared values and faith.
2. Despair and the Need for Hope:
As the song progresses, it acknowledges the despair and sadness that exist in the world. The news is often filled with negative stories, and people's actions can be both good and bad. However, the protagonist's father encourages them to spread hope and cheer, reminding them that coping with the world's challenges becomes easier when they hold onto faith and share it with others. This message emphasizes the importance of hope in navigating difficult times and the responsibility to bring light into the lives of those around us.
3. Dreaming and Passing on Hope:
The chorus of the song encapsulates the main message: if everyone believed, the world would be a happy place. The song acknowledges that it may be easy to dismiss this idea as mere dreaming, but it emphasizes the transformative power of dreams and the importance of passing on hope. By turning dreams into songs and singing them, we can inspire others and create a ripple effect of positivity and belief.
Meaning of the Song and Inspiration:
"If Everyone Believed" is a call to action, urging listeners to embrace a belief in love, peace, and faith. It encourages individuals to look beyond the negativity and challenges of the world and imagine a better future. The song aims to inspire hope and unity, reminding us that we have the power to make a difference through our beliefs and actions.
The inspiration for the song may have come from the personal experiences and observations of David Phelps or those close to him. It reflects a desire to counteract the negativity and division prevalent in society by promoting a message of love, unity, and faith. The song's lyrics convey a genuine longing for a world where everyone embraces these values, offering a sense of hope and encouragement to listeners.
Biblical Analysis:
To critically analyze the biblical alignment of the song, let us examine some key biblical references and themes it presents:
1. Belief and Faith:
The central message of the song revolves around the power of belief. This aligns with numerous biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of faith. In Mark 9:23, Jesus says, "Everything is possible for one who believes." Similarly, Hebrews 11:1 states, "Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." The song's emphasis on belief in love, peace, and the power of faith aligns with these biblical principles.
2. Spreading Hope and Cheer:
The song encourages listeners to spread hope and cheer, echoing the biblical teachings of love and kindness. In Romans 12:9-13, the apostle Paul urges believers to "be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer" and to "share with the Lord's people who are in need." The song's call to bring light into the lives of others resonates with these teachings, promoting a biblical value of caring for one another.
3. Dreams and Songs:
The concept of turning dreams into songs and passing on hope aligns with biblical teachings on worship and praise. In Psalm 40:3, David writes, "He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him." The act of singing and sharing songs of faith and hope can inspire others and draw them closer to God.
Conclusion:
"If Everyone Believed" by David Phelps is a song that carries a profound message of hope, unity, and faith. It encourages listeners to imagine a world where everyone believes in love, peace, and the power of faith. The song's lyrics convey the importance of spreading hope and cheer, turning dreams into songs, and passing on belief to inspire others. In analyzing its biblical alignment, we find that the song aligns with key biblical teachings on belief, faith, spreading hope, and praising God. Through its uplifting melody and powerful lyrics, "If Everyone Believed" serves as a reminder of the transformative power of faith and the potential for positive change when we embrace and share our beliefs.
