our various celebrations.
I remembered the song she meant, even though every song Kara sings is memorable. And with her father, Joe, playing her accompaniment, it is even more special.
And so it came to pass....at our Christmas concert, Kara came on stage to sing, Sweet Little Jesus Boy. I was sitting beside Patrice and heard her deep sigh.
Sweet little Jesus Boy
They made you be born in a manger
Sweet little Holy Child
Didn't know who You was
Didn't know You came to save us Lord?
To take our sins away.
Our eyes were blind, we couldn't see
We didn't know Who You was.
Long time ago, You was born
Born in a manger low
Sweet little Jesus Boy
The world treat You mean, Lord
Treat me mean, too
But that's how things is down here
We didn't know 'twas You.
You done showed us how
We is trying
Master, You done showed us how
Even when You're dying.
Just seem like we can't do right
Look how we treated You
But please, sir, forgive us Lord
We didn't know 'twas You.
Sweet little Jesus Boy
Born long time ago
Sweet little Holy Child,
And we didn't know who You was.
A year or so ago Robert Cottrill commented on this blog about one of the articles. I found out he wrote a book on Christmas songs titled, Discovering the Songs of Christmas, and I ordered a copy.
There is a gold mine of devotional Christmas thoughts, including something on this song, in this marvelous book.
He tells us that the writer of the song was Robert MacGimsey (1898-1979),
an African-American songwriter and exceptional whistler. Incredibly, he could whistle in three-part harmony--leading one symphony conductor, Mishell Piastro, to quip, "He makes the violin envious!"
MacGimsey wrote the Christmas song in the 1930's, during the Great Depression, and during a time of great racial strife. He wrote it in the form of a modern-day spiritual.
He knew first hand the sting of prejudice and cruelty, and he poured the pathos of his own experience into his song.
Some people knew who Jesus was --Anna, John the Baptist, Simeon, the Wise Men, and others.
Some didn't seem to care -- the priests who told Herold where the Child was to be born -- why didn't they go and see for themselves?
Probably all of us have had the experience of saying something cruel or
unflattering, at least something that shouldn't be repeated, only to find out that the person we were referring to was in the room--or within hearing--or a family member was present. (Or maybe I am the only one who has ever done that!)
Knowing who is around certainly determines much of our behavior!
Peter reminded the crowds in Jerusalem, and us today, of such a time: But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer [Barabbas] to be granted to you...Yet now, brethren, I know you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. (Acts 3:14, 17)
But we do know. We are not ignorant of His Lordship. We are the recipients of His glorious forgiveness. We live in His lush landscape of His grace.
We have received the greatest gift of all time - for all time!
P.S. But I have trouble getting away from the talent of being able to whistle in three-part harmony! I wonder if there are old recordings. I would love to hear it!
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