The story of Jesus’ birth is, perhaps, my favorite story from the Bible. Nativity scenes can only attempt to capture the beauty of a King of Kings born in a lowly manger. Our entire album, “Merry Christmas to You,” begins with the declaration of Linus, the beloved character from the Peanuts gang, about the true meaning of Christmas, the story of the shepherds and the birth of Jesus Christ. Many songs have been written about that night in Bethlehem, but as I read Luke chapter 2 again my mind was filled with questions. What would it really be like to be one of the shepherds that night? What did they talk about on their journey to see Jesus? What happened after they saw Jesus in the manger? Though some of those queries remain a mystery, I found that Luke had already answered my final question. “When [the shepherds] had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told” (Luke 2:17-20, NIV).
That’s it, the perfect response. The shepherds couldn’t keep their joy and wonder a secret. They ran through the town telling everyone about the awesome sight they had just witnessed. I can just picture the residents of Bethlehem opening up their windows, rubbing sleep from their eyes, and thinking the shepherds were crazy until they turned their gaze in awe upon that very same manger. After the shepherd’s declaration to the whole town, they returned to the side of their King and began to worship.
I want to have that response in my life. I want to have so much joy for Christ and the birth of love that I have to shout and stomp and clap and sing. That is the heart of “What a Glorious Night.” Picture yourself a terrified shepherd running to see the Savior of the world. How exhilarating, exciting and amazing your story would be. I’d tell everyone. That’s what I want to do with Jesus’ love, sing, stomp, clap, whisper, reflect and resonate. This Christmas let us remember the shepherds’ response to Christ, and let us celebrate with resounding joy the birth of our King! Have a very Merry Christmas and to all a goodnight.
Your dear friend,
Dave Frey
Sidewalk Prophet
I saw you all in Concert at Back Mountain Harvest Assembly of God (Trucksville, PA) this fall. I went with friends, and we thought you guys were great! Funny too! I now can’t go by a Best Buy store without cracking up, and remembering that hilarious skit…! Keep being YOU!
What happened to the west coast
The Lord bless you all very much , just wanted to comment, many of the songs have blessed me for sure but I was wondering why does the band play worldly music as well. Iv seen some on YouTube and The Word clearly tells us to come out from the world and be separate and touch not the unclean thing 2 Corinthians 6:17. Again The Lord Bless.
P.S.
Dave, I have been looking for your new song you sang at Gas City, IN as a preview. Release date? I’m pretty sure you know which one.
Dear Sidewalk Prophets,
I’m in awe everyday that I know Him. Although there have been many years of struggle to remain true. Recently, I came across a very special documentary called The Star of Bethlehem by Rick Larsen. I wondered if you have seen it? If not, please check it out. There are so many lost people and saved people searching for Him today. This has helped me put biblical principles into use to help answer the questions that loom over me. It comforts me in my doubt. Along with your great music of course! Cheers to you and yours. Merry Christmas!
Lynell