The Gift

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. Isaiah 9:6-7

The Christmas season is upon us. The food, decoration, gifts and music mark the holiday as we gather with friends and family to celebrate the birth of Christ. One of my favorite components of the season is the music, the traditional hymns, the classic carols and the new songs written. One of my favorite is “Mary, did you know?”  The song asks the question to Mary as a mother with her newborn child, if she realized what the future held for Christ. Every time I hear the carol I wonder how Mary felt, worried, protective, or calm?

I did some research on the carol to understand why the lyricist wrote it. I was surprised to find out it was written Mark Lowry, a gospel singer and comedian. In an interview he said he had written the lyrics in 1984 for a Christmas Program his church was having. Music was not written for it until 1991 by Bobby Green over a weekend on the Gaither bus. Mark Lowry said his inspiration was his mother when she said “”if anyone knew he was virgin born, Mary knew it”…  Mark’s mother said the silence of Mary at the cross was the greatest proof to her that the story is true.

The words in the song are very powerful. Not only that we are saved through Christ but give a list of the miracles he would perform. The lame to walk, the deaf to hear, the blind to see and the power over nature dealing with calming a storm confirm that he was the son of God. The last verse really showed the combination of humanity (born of the Virgin Mary) by referring to the sleeping child and how he would rule nations alluding to the power of God.

Lyrics

[Verse 1]

Mary did you know that your baby boy will some day walk on water?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?

Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?

This child that you’ve delivered, will soon deliver you.

[Verse 2]

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?

Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?

Did you know that your baby bay has walked where angels trod?

And when you kiss your little baby, you have kissed the face of God.

Oh Mary did you know

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.

The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

[Verse 3]

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?

Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect Lamb?

This sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am.