Lyrics
Verse 1
Long time ago in Bethlehem
So the Holy Bible say
Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ
Was born on Christmas day.
Chorus
Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas day.
Verse 2
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.
Verse 3
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.
Chorus
Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas day.
Verse 4
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.
Chorus
Hark, now hear the angels sing
A new King born today
And man will live forever more
Because of Christmas day.
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
Mary's Boy Child is a Christmas song that retells the nativity story in simple verses. The opening says that a long time ago in Bethlehem, as the Holy Bible says, Mary's boy child, Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas day. The refrain calls on listeners to hark and hear the angels sing a new King born today, and says that mankind will live forever because of Christmas day.
The verses add shepherds watching their flock by night and a bright new shining star, Joseph and Mary arriving in Bethlehem and finding no room, and a stable where the little boy was born in a cold manger. The story follows Luke 2:7 on the manger and no room, Luke 2:8-14 on the shepherds and the angels, and Matthew 2:1-2 on the star. The steady rhythm, repeated refrain and storytelling give the song a warm, joyful tone that is easy for families and congregations to sing together at Christmas.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:7 Mary lays her firstborn in a manger because there was no room in the inn.
- Luke 2:8-14 Angels announce the Savior's birth to shepherds watching their flocks by night.
- Matthew 2:1-2 Wise men see His star and come to worship the newborn King.