The lights of the city shine bright red and green
But sometimes the season is not what it seems
In heartache or joy let me rest in Your care
Be near me Lord Jesus
This is my Christmas prayer
The wise men brought treasures,
the shepherds bowed down
The angels were singing their glorious sound
I have no great riches, no gift to impart
What can I give You?
Lord, I will give my heart
Be near me Lord Jesus,
I ask You to stay
Close by me forever, I pray
Through the storm, through the night
Hold me close, be my light, show the way
Bless all of Your children, we need Your embrace
We hunger for mercy, and long for Your grace
Our grateful devotion is all we can bring
We praise You, we bless You
Jesus, our Savior and King
How great is the gift just to know You are there
Be near me, Lord Jesus
Be near me, Lord Jesus
This is my Christmas prayer
"Christmas Prayer" is a beautiful song by Don Moen that captures the true essence and meaning of Christmas. It is a prayerful reflection on the significance of the season and an expression of the heart's longing for the presence of Jesus.
The song begins by acknowledging the festive atmosphere of Christmas with the lights and colors of red and green. However, it also recognizes that sometimes the season can be deceptive, as it may not always bring the joy and happiness that it promises. This is a relatable sentiment, as many people experience feelings of loneliness, heartache, or disappointment during the holiday season.
But amidst these mixed emotions, the song reminds us to find rest and comfort in the care of Jesus. It calls upon Him to be near, to come close and bring His peace and love into our lives. This is in line with the scriptural promise in Matthew 11:28-30, where Jesus invites us to come to Him and find rest for our souls.
The lyrics then shift to the biblical narrative of the birth of Jesus. The reference to the wise men bringing treasures and the shepherds bowing down reflects the adoration and worship that surrounded the birth of Christ. The angels singing their glorious sound reminds us of the heavenly proclamation of Jesus' arrival.
The song acknowledges that we may not have great riches or material gifts to offer Jesus. But it emphasizes that the most precious gift we can give Him is our hearts. This aligns with the biblical principle of offering ourselves as living sacrifices to God (Romans 12:1). It reminds us that true worship and devotion to Jesus come from a surrendered heart.
The chorus of the song is a heartfelt plea for Jesus to be near and to stay with us. It recognizes our need for His presence and guidance, especially in the midst of storms and dark nights. It echoes the psalmist's cry in Psalm 27:1, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?"
The song then extends the prayer to include a blessing for all God's children. It acknowledges our hunger for mercy and our longing for God's grace. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in the Beatitudes, where He blesses those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, promising that they will be filled (Matthew 5:6).
The overall theme of the song is encapsulated in the line, "How great is the gift just to know You are there." It emphasizes the profound significance of having a personal relationship with Jesus. It acknowledges that His presence is the greatest gift we can receive, and His nearness brings comfort, peace, and hope.
In conclusion, "Christmas Prayer" by Don Moen is a heartfelt and prayerful song that beautifully expresses the true meaning of Christmas. It reminds us to find rest and comfort in Jesus' care, to offer Him our hearts as a precious gift, and to seek His presence in all circumstances. It encourages us to remember the biblical narratives of Jesus' birth and to embrace the hope and joy that He brings. As we listen to this song, may it serve as a reminder to keep Christ at the center of our Christmas celebrations and to offer our prayers and worship to Him.
