NewSong - The Christmas Shoes Lyrics
Lyrics
It was almost Christmas time
And there I stood in another line
Trying to buy that last gift or two
Not really in the Christmas mood
And standing right in front of me was a
Little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing around like little boys do
And in his hands he held
A pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old
He was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say
Chorus:
Sir I wanna buy these shoes
For my mama. please
It's Christmas eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry sir
Daddy says there's not much time
You see,
She's been sick for quite a while And I
know these shoes will make her smile And I
Want her to look beautiful
If mama meets Jesus tonight
They counted penny's for what seemed like years then the
Cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here."
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me and he said
"Mama made Christmas good at our house though
Most years she just did without, Tell me sir,
What am I gonna do?
Some how I gotta buy her these Christmas shoes."
So I laid the money down
I just had to help him out
And I'll never forget the look on his face when he said,
"Mama's gonna look so great."
Repeat Chorus
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love as he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent me that little boy to remind me what Christmas is all about
Repeat Chorus with children
Little girl:
I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight
Video
NewSong - The Christmas Shoes
Meaning & Inspiration
Released in 2001 as the title track of their album, NewSong's "The Christmas Shoes" is a deeply moving ballad that, at its core, presents a profound meditation on sacrificial love, faith in the face of adversity, and the true spirit of Christmas. The narrative unfolds in a department store on Christmas Eve, where the singer encounters a young boy, his clothes threadbare and his demeanor anxious, determined to purchase a pair of shoes for his ailing mother. The boy's earnest plea to the cashier, and then to the singer when he falls short of the price, is the emotional fulcrum of the song. He desires these shoes not for mere fashion, but so his mother might appear beautiful should she "meet Jesus tonight." This poignant statement immediately elevates the song beyond a simple tale of charity, transforming it into a powerful testament to enduring hope and spiritual conviction even when faced with impending loss. The singer's act of providing the remaining funds is not just an act of kindness; it’s a catalytic moment that opens his eyes to the profound spiritual truths the boy embodies. He recognizes the encounter as a divine appointment, a reminder from God of what Christmas truly signifies – the selfless love of Christ, who gave all for humanity. The song strongly echoes the biblical principle found in 1 John 3:16, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers and sisters." The boy's selfless desire to provide for his mother, even in her most vulnerable state and with the specter of death looming, mirrors Christ's ultimate sacrifice. Furthermore, the boy's unwavering faith that these shoes will bring his mother joy, and his focus on her appearance for a heavenly encounter, speaks to a deep understanding of dignity and love that transcends earthly circumstances. This resonates with the scripture in Philippians 4:4, which encourages rejoicing in the Lord always, even when circumstances are difficult. The song also underscores the importance of looking beyond outward appearances, a theme frequently found in scripture. While the boy's own clothes are worn, his concern is solely for his mother's presentation for a spiritual meeting, reflecting a heart focused on the eternal rather than the temporal. The final verses, with the children joining in the chorus, reinforce the song's message of passing on this legacy of love and faith to future generations. "The Christmas Shoes" serves as a powerful reminder that true Christmas spirit lies not in material possessions or festive commercialism, but in selfless love, unwavering faith, and the profound understanding that the greatest gift is the hope offered through Christ. It encourages listeners to embrace the spirit of giving, to extend compassion, and to recognize the divine presence in the most unexpected of encounters, all as encapsulated by the humble yet profound desire of a little boy for his mother.