Mary's Boy child

Mary’s Boy Child can be considered a modern Christmas Carol in some senses, as it was written and recorded in 1956. The song was written by Jester Hairston and first sung by the legendary Harry Belefonte. The song performed remarkably well from the moment it was released and continued to have success into the future.

It regained more popularity in the late 1970’s (1978) when Boney-M recorded their version of the song. Sadly, Jester Hairston has not received the kind of credit his song deserves, but when he died at the age of 98 in 2000, Jester did get credit for his tireless work to preserve the historical Negro spiritual. Part of the work that he did to preserve this genre of music was to direct and work with choral groups throughout his career. Hairston will be remembered for years to come for the excellent contribution he made to the world.

These are the words of the delightful carol. I have underlined the words that mean a lot to me during this Advent Season.

“Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible say, Mary's boy child Jesus Christ, was born on Christmas Day. 

Hark, now hear the angels sing, a new king was born today, And man will live for evermore, because of Christmas Day. Trumpets sound and angels sing, listen to what they say.  That man will live for evermore, because of Christmas day. 

While shepherds watch their flocks by night, they see a bright new shining star, they hear a choir sing a song, the music seem to come from afar. Now Joseph and his wife, Mary, came to Bethlehem that night, they found no place to bear her child, not a single room was in sight. 

By and by they find a little nook in a stable all forlorn, and in a manger, cold and dark, Mary’s little boy was born, long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible say, Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day.”

What a gift it is to comprehend that Christmas Day gives us the right and privilege to live forevermore. Eternity is given to us through the miracle of the child of Bethlehem. That is truly amazing!

“Each and every one of you has the power, the will and the capacity to make a difference in the world in which you live in..” – Harry Belefonte

Living in Grace

D3LM3