Kenny Rogers - It's the Messiah Lyrics
Lyrics
It must have been something
Being born in a manger
With the sheep from the feilds
And stars shining over your head.
It must have been something
Seeing three wise men
On their knees before a newborn
With their eyes all aglow.
'Cause in their hearts they know
It's the Messiah
He's come at last
It's the Messiah
He's come at last.
It must have been something
Speaking the word of your Father
With the promise of life
And peace forever.
It must have been something
Walking the streets of Jeruselem
With the sins of the world
The innosence of a lamb.
But soon everone will know.
It's the Messiah
He's come at last
It's the Messiah
He's with us at last...
Video
It's The Messiah
Meaning & Inspiration
Kenny Rogers’ "It's the Messiah," released on January 1, 1996, as part of his album *The Gift*, stands as a moving reflection on the life and identity of Jesus Christ. This song bypasses complex theological debate, opting instead for a beautifully simple and direct narrative that guides the listener through pivotal moments of Jesus’ earthly journey, fostering a deep appreciation for the profound significance of His advent. It’s a gentle, contemplative piece, designed to bring the foundational truths of Christian faith into clear focus, underscoring the wonder and gravity of God’s redemptive plan through His Son.
The song begins by inviting us to ponder the extraordinary circumstances of Jesus' birth, painting vivid scenes of the stable and the watchful heavens. "Being born in a manger / With the sheep from the fields / And stars shining over your head" immediately conjures the humble yet miraculous scene described in Luke 2:7, where "she wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn." This imagery isn't just picturesque; it profoundly speaks to God's deliberate choice of humility, foreshadowing a Savior who would identify with the lowliest among us. The subsequent lines about the "three wise men / On their knees before a newborn / With their eyes all aglow" directly refer to the account in Matthew 2:11, where "going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him." The lyric "’Cause in their hearts they know" beautifully captures the spiritual recognition these wise men possessed, guided not merely by a star (Matthew 2:9) but by an inner conviction of divine kingship, anticipating the universal acknowledgment of Christ that would follow.
The heart of the song's message is crystallized in its powerful refrain: "It's the Messiah / He's come at last." This declaration echoes the centuries of longing and prophetic expectation that permeated ancient Israel. For generations, the promise of a deliverer, the Anointed One, was held dear (Isaiah 9:6-7, Daniel 9:25-26). To hear "He's come at last" is to feel the weight of fulfilled prophecy, the culmination of God’s faithfulness, and the dawn of a new era of hope for all humanity. It’s a joyous affirmation, cutting through doubt and simply stating the core truth of the Christian faith.
Transitioning from birth to ministry, the song then contemplates Jesus' role as the living Word: "It must have been something / Speaking the word of your Father / With the promise of life / And peace forever." This segment highlights Jesus' divine authority and His mission to reveal God's truth. Jesus himself affirmed, "The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works" (John 14:10). His teachings were not merely human wisdom but divine revelation, offering not just guidance but the very essence of "life eternal" (John 6:68) and a "peace that surpasses all understanding" (Philippians 4:7), which He freely bestowed upon His disciples (John 14:27). This profound aspect of His ministry—speaking with ultimate authority and offering ultimate salvation—is central to understanding who He is.
Finally, the song turns towards the ultimate purpose of Jesus' earthly walk, meditating on "Walking the streets of Jerusalem / With the sins of the world / The innocence of a lamb." This imagery powerfully evokes Jesus' journey towards His crucifixion, where He would bear the full weight of human sin. John the Baptist famously declared, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). The "innocence of a lamb" speaks to His sinless nature, making Him the perfect, unblemished sacrifice, a fulfillment of Old Testament sacrificial laws (Isaiah 53:7, 1 Peter 1:18-19). This stark juxtaposition of His purity with the world's sinfulness underscores the immense love and self-sacrifice at the core of His mission. The concluding thought, "But soon everyone will know," looks forward to the universal acknowledgment of Jesus' Lordship, whether in belief now or at His glorious return (Philippians 2:10-11). The slight but significant change in the final chorus to "He's with us at last" moves beyond His historical arrival to His abiding presence through the Holy Spirit and His continuous relationship with believers (Matthew 28:20), offering not just a past event but an ongoing, personal reality of God's nearness. Kenny Rogers' "It's the Messiah" ultimately serves as a tender, yet firm, declaration of faith, reinforcing the timeless truth of Christ's identity and His eternal impact on the human soul.