Lyrics
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's born today
And man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas Day.
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen what they say
That man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas Day.
While Shepherds watched their flock by night
They see a bright new star
Then hear a choir of angels sing
Music seems to come from a far.
Now Joseph and his wife Mary
Come to Bethlehem that night
They find no place to lay the child
Not a single room was in sight.
Hark now hear the angels sing
A new King's born today
And man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas Day.
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen what they say
That man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas Day.
By and by they find a little nook
In a stable so forlorned
In a manger cold and dark
Mary's little boy was born.
Hark now hear the angels sing
A new King's born today
And man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas Day.
Trumpets sound and angels sing
Listen what they say
That man will live for evermore
Because of Christmas Day...
Video
Meaning & Inspiration
“Mary’s Boy Child” retells the birth of Jesus with the directness of a Christmas story-song. Bethlehem, Mary and Joseph, the crowded lodging, the manger, shepherds, a star, and singing angels create a sequence drawn largely from the Gospel nativity accounts. Its refrain announces the child as a king and connects his birth with the promise of everlasting life, placing salvation at the center of the celebration.
The song combines details from Matthew and Luke rather than following only one account. Luke describes the manger, nearby shepherds, and the angelic proclamation, while Matthew records the star associated with Jesus’ birth. Trumpets and the expanded heavenly choir add festive imagery around that biblical foundation. Through recurring lines about Christmas Day, the song treats the nativity not merely as a historical scene but as good news: the promised Christ has come, and his arrival carries hope for humanity.
Related Scripture
- Luke 2:7 Mary lays Jesus in a manger because no guest room is available.
- Luke 2:8-14 Angels announce Christ’s birth to shepherds and praise God.
- Matthew 2:1-2 Visitors from the east follow the sign of the newborn king’s star.