Mariah Carey - When Christmas Comes Lyrics

When Christmas Comes

When Christmas Comes Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration

Mariah Carey's song "When Christmas Comes" resonates with a vibrant holiday spirit, capturing both the universal joy and personal intimacy of the season. Released notably with a video on December 16, 2011, the track immediately set a festive tone, building upon the artist's established legacy in holiday music. The song presents a multifaceted view of Christmas, moving from broad observations about the world's feeling of love and widespread traditions like singing "Let It Snow" and hanging mistletoe, to a more intimate focus on a personal connection during the holidays.

The lyrics paint a picture of a cherished two-person celebration, emphasizing togetherness and the desire to escape everyday worries. Phrases like "me and you gonna have ourselves a holiday" and "we don't need nobody else to celebrate" highlight an exclusive bond, seeing the partner as a "special treasure." This intimate theme culminates in a line expressing eagerness for a different kind of unwrapping – the anticipation of experiencing a loved one's affection, beautifully tying personal desire to the traditional Christmas gift-giving concept.

However, the song thoughtfully broadens its scope beyond personal happiness, acknowledging the pain and lack experienced by "so many souls hurt, so many don't have enough." This recognition shifts the focus towards a message of empathy and collective action. The lyrics suggest that spreading love holds the potential to heal others "one by one," advocating for people to "get together and rejoice and pray." This section calls for a shared effort to "help the world become a better place," adding a layer of social consciousness and spiritual reflection to the holiday narrative.

Interwoven with the themes of personal love and social responsibility are clear spiritual elements. The song references singing and shouting "because the savior reigns," a direct acknowledgment of the religious significance of Christmas for many. It speaks of a "gift of love that lasts forever" and states that "The Lord makes our hearts open up soon as Christmas comes." These lines convey a sense of divine grace and the enduring nature of spiritual love associated with the holiday, presenting Christmas not just as a cultural event or personal romantic time, but also as a period of spiritual awakening and divine influence that encourages open hearts and lasting love.

The song concludes by reaffirming the joy of holiday traditions like reminiscing about "the good old days," laughing as "children play," and cherishing the hope that this feeling of togetherness and love will endure "through the years... always gonna be this way." It circles back to the personal connection, reiterating the partner as a "treasure" and the anticipation of sharing love "When Christmas Comes." This blend of universal holiday warmth, personal affection, social awareness, and spiritual faith creates a rich and uplifting message, making the song a heartfelt anthem for the diverse meanings the Christmas season holds.