Bethlehem

Bethlehem
performed by Chicago (from the album What's It Gonna Be Santa?)

With this frankincense and this gold and myrrh
We are traveling so far
For a vision of one child born of love
We are following this star

So the three of us
Travel round the world
We are riding toward one dream

In the darkest night
We see heaven’s light
Shining on the newborn king

What’s that star that’s shining oh so bright
What’s this road that we must follow
Why this little town these three men so wise
Who’s this child that we must follow here to Bethlehem

There’s a song to sing and a tale to tell
And a world to rise above
So we’re traveling here to Israel
Just to find this child of love

*We’ve all seen the light and our path is clear
Love is just around the bend
There’s an end in sight it begins right here
There’ll be peace in Bethlehem

What’s that star that’s shining oh so bright
What’s this road that we must follow
Why this little town these three men so wise
Who’s this child that we must follow here to Bethlehem

What’s that star that’s shining oh so bright
What’s this road that we must follow
Why this little town these three men so wise
Who’s this child that we must follow here to Bethlehem

*extra verse on demo version not on official album release

One of my favorite newer Christmas songs is Bethlehem by Chicago. I love the overall vibe of hope that permeates the song. I think it also helps show why Christmas still means so much to people of so many different devotions and levels of faith.

The Christmas story is a message of hope and a promise of a new beginning. And whether or not one is devoutly religious that promise is universal. Whether you take the story of the virgin birth and later the crucifiction and resurrection at face value, the overall message of hope this season brings is a message that brings us together.

So even if you don't believe, it's nice to hear a story and message of hope at least once a year. It brings a sense of renewal leading into the new year.

Happy holidays.