Randy Travis - The Gift Lyrics
Lyrics
He was born in Bethlehem they say,
There was a star to light the path to where He lay.
Rich or poor they came from far and near,
'Cause they'd all heard the reason He was here.
He was the Son God sent to one and all.
Put on this earth to hang there on that cross.
Born to die so we could live.
He had the birthday, we got the gift.
They wrapped him up with gentle hands.
God hoped the world would understand.
Eternal life we shall receive.
And all that He asks in return is that we just believe.
He was the Son God sent to one and all.
Put on this earth to hang there on that cross.
Born to die so we could live.
He had the birthday, we got the gift.
No way in this world we could repay Him
The miracle He gave us on that day.
He was the Son God sent to one and all,
Put on this earth to hang there on that cross,
Born to die so we could live.
He had the birthday, we got the gift.
On our Savior's birthday, we got the gift...
Video
The Gift
Meaning & Inspiration
Randy Travis’s "The Gift," released on October 15, 2002, as part of his album *Rise and Shine*, offers a profoundly moving and straightforward articulation of the Christian Gospel. This song bypasses complex theological jargon, instead presenting the core narrative of Christ's birth, life, and ultimate sacrifice with an engaging simplicity that resonates deeply. It immediately establishes the familiar story, reminding us that "He was born in Bethlehem they say, There was a star to light the path to where He lay," a direct reference to the celestial guidance found in Matthew 2:1-2 and the historical setting of Luke 2:4-7. The message quickly moves to the universal appeal of Christ's arrival, noting that "Rich or poor they came from far and near, 'Cause they'd all heard the reason He was here," echoing the diverse group of first witnesses from the humble shepherds (Luke 2:8-20) to the noble wise men (Matthew 2:1-12), all drawn by divine revelation to understand His purpose.
The song's central message unfolds as a beautiful paradox: "He had the birthday, we got the gift." This line succinctly captures the essence of divine grace. Travis explains that Jesus "was the Son God sent to one and all. Put on this earth to hang there on that cross. Born to die so we could live." This profound statement encapsulates John 3:16, where God's ultimate love is demonstrated by giving His only Son, and Romans 5:8, which emphasizes Christ's death for us while we were still separated from God. The sacrifice on the cross, as detailed in 1 Peter 2:24, where Jesus "Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross," is presented not as a somber historical event, but as the very act that enables our new life. The gift is not merely a celebration of a birth, but the boundless offer of eternal life and reconciliation with God, purchased through that singular, selfless act.
Further exploring the nature of this divine exchange, the song mentions, "They wrapped him up with gentle hands. God hoped the world would understand. Eternal life we shall receive. And all that He asks in return is that we just believe." The tender imagery of Jesus being "wrapped in swaddling clothes" (Luke 2:7) transitions seamlessly into the spiritual wrapping of God's plan for humanity. The clarity here is striking: the path to receiving this "eternal life" is simply through faith. This aligns perfectly with John 1:12, stating that "to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God," and Ephesians 2:8-9, which unequivocally declares, "For by grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works, so that no one may boast." The song powerfully conveys that salvation is not earned through merit or elaborate deeds, but freely given upon belief, making it accessible to everyone.
The song culminates by affirming the immeasurable nature of this gift: "No way in this world we could repay Him The miracle He gave us on that day." This declaration reinforces the truth found in Romans 3:23-24, that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift." It’s a miracle not only because of its supernatural origin but because it offers redemption beyond human capacity or desert. Randy Travis's delivery, imbued with the straightforward honesty of country music, serves as a poignant reminder that the true meaning of Christ's birth is inextricably linked to His sacrificial life and resurrection. "The Gift" is more than a song; it's a profound devotional reflection on the ultimate act of divine love, a call to embrace the grace offered, and an encouragement to simply believe in the Savior who gave His birthday, so we could receive the most precious gift of all.