Jason Gray - Ave Maria Lyrics
Lyrics
She picks the flowers in the morning
Tucks just a few in her hair
The joy of her mother and father
As she spins around unaware
She carries her song into evening
And the dreams of all little girls
She carries the bread to the table
She carries the hope of the world
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Angels can carry glad tidings
Or burdens to bear in the dark
Love can take both fear and wonder
And hold them inside the same heart
You carried hope and a promise
You carried shame and disgrace
Which was the heavier burden
That drew lines in a little girl's face?
Ave Maria
Gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Maria, gratia plena
Ave, ave dominus
Dominus tecum
Benedicta tu in mulieribus
Et benedictus
Et benedictus fructus ventris
Ventris tuae, Jesus
Held by the love you were holding
Is this what it means to be blessed?
To carry your hope through the darkness
As it carries you into your rest
Ave Maria
Ave Maria
Video
Jason Gray - "Ave Maria" (Official Lyric Video)
Meaning & Inspiration
Jason Gray's "Ave Maria," released on October 9, 2012, as part of his album *Christmas Stories: Repeat the Sounding Joy*, offers a profoundly moving and human interpretation of Mary's extraordinary life. This isn't merely a rendition of a classic prayer; it's a thoughtful narrative that delves into the emotional landscape of the young woman chosen to be the mother of Christ, inviting listeners to see her not just as a revered figure, but as a person grappling with immense divine favor and daunting human challenges.
The song begins by painting a picture of Mary's early innocence, a typical young girl "picking flowers in the morning" and "spinning around unaware" of the monumental destiny awaiting her. This portrayal grounds her in relatable humanity before her divine calling. We see her carrying the "dreams of all little girls" and "bread to the table," establishing her as part of everyday life. The poignant shift comes with the declaration that she also "carries the hope of the world," immediately drawing a connection to the prophecy of the Messiah, the "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (Isaiah 9:6) who would be born through her. This transition from mundane to miraculous sets the stage for the profound duality she embodies.
As the narrative unfolds, Gray contemplates the emotional weight of Mary’s annunciation. He thoughtfully suggests that "love can take both fear and wonder and hold them inside the same heart," acknowledging the natural human response to such an overwhelming divine encounter. The angel Gabriel's greeting to Mary, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you" (Luke 1:28), was undoubtedly wondrous, yet also deeply unsettling for a young woman. The song then bravely confronts the very real social stigma Mary faced: "You carried hope and a promise / You carried shame and disgrace." This stark contrast brings to light the scandal of an out-of-wedlock pregnancy in that cultural context, despite the miraculous origin. Joseph's initial intention to quietly divorce her (Matthew 1:19) underscores the very real "disgrace" she would have endured. The question, "Which was the heavier burden, that drew lines in a little girl’s face?" is a powerful and empathetic inquiry, urging reflection on the often-overlooked human cost of divine service.
The song’s inclusion of the traditional Latin "Ave Maria" lines – "Gratia plena, Dominus tecum, Benedicta tu in mulieribus, Et benedictus fructus ventris tuae, Jesus" – serves as a sacred anchor, echoing the very words of the angel Gabriel and Elizabeth (Luke 1:28, 1:42). These ancient blessings confirm the divine origin of her child and her unique favored status, reinforcing that despite the human struggle, she was indeed "blessed." This segment bridges the personal narrative with the enduring spiritual reverence for her role.
The concluding stanza offers a deeply theological reflection on the source of Mary’s strength: "Held by the love you were holding / Is this what it means to be blessed? / To carry your hope through the darkness / As it carries you into your rest." This is the song's most inspiring insight. Mary's ability to navigate her journey, through wonder and fear, through promise and disgrace, was not self-generated. It came from the very Son she carried – Jesus, the embodiment of divine love and ultimate hope. In holding Him, she herself was held. This reciprocal relationship reveals the essence of faith: that in carrying our cross and embracing Christ, we find Him carrying us through life's "darkness" and ultimately into eternal "rest" (Matthew 11:28). This final thought beautifully encapsulates the Christian journey, finding solace and strength not *despite* our burdens, but often *through* the very source of our faith. Jason Gray’s "Ave Maria" transcends a simple Christmas carol, offering a profound meditation on faith, sacrifice, and the enduring power of the one who is truly the hope of the world.