Israel Houghton - By Christmas Day Lyrics
Lyrics
Another year has passed
Life just moves too fast
Where will I find time to live my dream
There's so much left of me to be
Expedite and bring to life those things I need
Hear my prayer
My request
This is my earnest plea
Hearts desire what I believe to see
God let it be if You don't mind
Could it be mine by Christmas day
Hear what I say
Not a timeline
Just let it be mine
Christmas day
My time to save the world
Or help one boy or girl
By simply taking out the time to hear
What could it hurt to help to dry a tear
Or letting one lonely heart know I care
Let it be mine
Let it be mine
Let it be mine
Let it be mine Christmas day
Video
Israel & New Breed - By Christmas Day
Meaning & Inspiration
Israel Houghton's "By Christmas Day," released on December 15, 2015, is more than just a seasonal tune; it’s a profound expression of longing and aspiration rooted in faith. The song captures a universal sentiment, particularly potent as the year draws to a close and reflections turn inward. The opening lines speak to the relentless pace of life, a common feeling that can leave one questioning their progress towards their deepest aspirations. The desire to "live my dream" and realize "so much left of me to be" resonates with the human drive for purpose and fulfillment, a drive that the song frames through a lens of spiritual surrender.
The core of "By Christmas Day" is a heartfelt prayer, an earnest plea for divine intervention and guidance. The request isn't for material possessions but for opportunities to enact meaningful change, to "save the world" or touch "one boy or girl." This echoes the teachings of Christ, who consistently emphasized compassion and service. Jesus himself stated in Matthew 25:40, "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." The song's desire to "dry a tear" or let a "lonely heart know I care" directly reflects this call to love our neighbors as ourselves, as commanded in Mark 12:31. The aspiration to be an instrument of good, however small the act, aligns with the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), where faithfulness in small responsibilities is rewarded. The plea, "God let it be if You don't mind," is a beautiful articulation of submission to God's will, acknowledging His sovereignty while humbly presenting one's deepest desires. This mirrors the prayer Jesus taught his disciples, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). The emphasis on "not a timeline" but simply letting these desires manifest by Christmas Day showcases a trust in God's perfect timing and a release from the pressure of human-imposed deadlines. It’s a quiet confidence that when God orchestrates events, they unfold with divine precision, much like the prophecy of Jesus' birth being foretold centuries in advance. The repeated refrain, "Let it be mine Christmas day," is not a demand but a hopeful anticipation, a spiritual yearning for transformation and the chance to embody God's love in tangible ways before the year concludes. This song serves as a powerful reminder that true Christmas spirit lies not just in receiving, but in becoming the love and light we wish to see in the world, guided by a faith that trusts in God's ultimate plan.