The Nelons - Happy Birthday Jesus Lyrics
Lyrics
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday, dear Jesus
Happy Birthday to You
Happy birthday, Jesus
I'm so glad it's Christmas
All the tinsel and lights
And the presents are nice
But the real gift is You
Happy birthday, Jesus
I'm so glad it's Christmas
All the carols and bells
Make the holiday swell
And it's all about You
Happy birthday, Jesus
Jesus I love You
Happy birthday, Jesus
I'm so glad it's Christmas
All the tinsel and lights
And the presents are nice
But the real gift is You
Happy birthday, Jesus
I'm so glad it's Christmas
All the carols and bells
Make the holiday swell
And it's all about You
Happy birthday, Jesus
Jesus I love You
Video
Happy Birthday Jesus
Meaning & Inspiration
The Nelons' "Happy Birthday Jesus," released on November 13, 2012, as part of their album *An Evening In December*, offers a beautiful and straightforward declaration of the true meaning of Christmas. This song isn't just a holiday tune; it's a profound refocusing of our attention from the festive trappings of the season to its singular, divine centerpiece: the birth of Jesus Christ. While the melody undoubtedly carries a celebratory spirit, the true power of "Happy Birthday Jesus" lies in its lyrical message, which directly challenges the commercialized narratives that can often overshadow the sacred origins of Christmas. The song thoughtfully reminds us that while the tinsel, lights, and presents are enjoyable aspects of the celebration, they are ultimately secondary to the incomparable gift of Jesus Himself.
This sentiment echoes the foundational truths of Christianity, particularly the narrative found in the Gospels. The very act of celebrating Jesus' birthday during this season directly references the manger scene described in Luke 2:1-20, where the humble birth of the Savior is announced to shepherds. The lyrics' insistence that "the real gift is You" and that the holiday "is all about You" aligns perfectly with John 3:16, which states, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This song, therefore, serves as a welcome spiritual anchor, grounding the festivities in the divine reason for the season. It encourages us to remember that the joy of Christmas is intrinsically linked to the coming of Emmanuel, God with us, as prophesied in Isaiah 7:14: "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel." The repetition of "Happy birthday, Jesus" and the poignant declaration, "Jesus I love You," transforms the familiar cadence of a birthday song into a sincere act of worship and devotion, a profound expression of gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice and redemptive plan initiated with His birth. It’s a powerful call to shift our perspective, ensuring that the focus remains on the King of Kings, not merely the decorations or earthly delights.