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 forever more
Because of Christmas day.
While shepherds watched their flock by night
And see a bright new shining star
And hear a choir sing
The music seem to come from afar.
Now Joseph and his wife Mary
Come to Bethlehem that night
And find no place to borne she child
Not a single room was in sight.
Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas day.
By and by they find a little nook
In a stable all forlorn
And in a manger cold and dark
Mary's little boy was born.
Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas day.
Mary's Boy Child Video
Mary's Boy Child Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Mary's Boy Child: A Timeless Christmas Classic by Harry Belafonte
Introduction:
"Mary's Boy Child" is a beloved Christmas song that has become a timeless classic since its release in 1956. Written by Jester Hairston, the song has been performed by various artists over the years.
Key Messages of the Song:
The song "Mary's Boy Child" chronologically tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It begins with the lines, "Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible say, Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas day." These lines set the stage by referencing the biblical account of Jesus' birth.
The next lines of the song emphasize the significance of Jesus' birth: "Hark, now hear the angels sing, a new King born today, and man will live forevermore because of Christmas day." Here, the song highlights the joyous proclamation of the angels and the eternal impact of Jesus' birth on humanity.
The song then shifts focus to the shepherds who witnessed the extraordinary events surrounding Jesus' birth: "While shepherds watched their flock by night and saw a bright new shining star, and heard a choir sing, the music seemed to come from afar." This part of the song references the biblical account of the shepherds being visited by an angel and guided to the stable where Jesus was born.
The following lines describe the challenges faced by Mary and Joseph as they searched for a place to stay in Bethlehem: "Now Joseph and his wife Mary, came to Bethlehem that night, and find no place to born she child, not a single room was in sight." This part of the song echoes the biblical narrative of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem and the lack of accommodation they encountered.
The final lines of the song return to the central message of the birth of Jesus and its impact on mankind: "By and by, they find a little nook in a stable all forlorn, and in a manger, cold and dark, Mary's little boy was born." These lines emphasize the humble setting of Jesus' birth and highlight the significance of his arrival as the Savior of the world.
Meaning and Inspiration:
The meaning of "Mary's Boy Child" lies in its retelling of the biblical story of Jesus' birth. The song celebrates the miraculous event and emphasizes the eternal impact of Jesus' arrival on Christmas day. It serves as a reminder of the divine purpose behind Christmas and the hope and salvation that Jesus brings to humanity.
According to the song's writer, Jester Hairston, the inspiration for "Mary's Boy Child" came from a request to write a song for a birthday party. Hairston incorporated a calypso rhythm into the song to cater to the predominantly West Indian audience at the party. Later, when Walter Schumann asked Hairston to write a Christmas song for his choir, Hairston adapted the calypso rhythm and wrote new lyrics, resulting in "Mary's Boy Child."
Is the Song Biblical?
"Mary's Boy Child" is a song that retells the biblical story of Jesus' birth and conveys the central message of Christmas. While it may not include direct biblical references or quotes, it aligns with the biblical narrative found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
The song accurately portrays key elements of the biblical story, such as Jesus' birth in Bethlehem, the angelic proclamation to the shepherds, and the humble setting of Jesus' birth in a stable. These elements are consistent with the biblical account, supporting the song's biblical authenticity.
Furthermore, the song emphasizes the eternal impact of Jesus' birth, which aligns with the biblical message of Jesus' role as the Savior of the world. The lyrics reflect the biblical truth that through Jesus, mankind can find salvation and eternal life.
Conclusion:
"Mary's Boy Child" by Harry Belafonte is a timeless Christmas classic that retells the biblical story of Jesus' birth. Through its lyrics, the song conveys the key messages of Christmas – the joyous proclamation of the angels, the humble setting of Jesus' birth, and the eternal impact of his arrival. While the song may not include direct biblical references, it accurately portrays the biblical narrative and aligns with the central message of Christmas found in the Bible. As we listen to this beloved song during the holiday season, let us remember the true meaning of Christmas and the hope and salvation that Jesus brings.
