i was in a contemplative mood, plucking on my guitar and glanced up noticing my sons class A uniform hanging in the closet. He was KIA in Iraq. Probably because of the time of year, I made a connection with the verse in Isaiah "Unto us a Son is given. Unto us a Child is born." I pondered the difference between "giving" a son as opposed to having one taken. I understand the sacrifice of losing a son, but the kind of love it takes to "give" a son is just beyond my comprehension. But, that is what was done for me, and what I celebrate on Christmas. So, I kind of wrote this song to myself comparing and contrasting the first Christmas to current day and how easily I can get caught up in all the chaos and fun. If you decide to give it a listen, I'd love to hear what you think. I'm always unsure about the mixes - which instrument is too loud, or is the vocal too out front etc. I experimented with a little more reverb on vocals this time.

[b]A Child Was Born[/b]

There was no falling snow in that busy little town.
There was no mistletoe or presents to be found.
Not a single greeting card had arrived in the mail.
Just another night as far as anyone could tell.

‘Cause there were no jingle bells, no caroling in the streets,
no tinsel on the shelves and no gathering round a tree
when the Miracle from Heaven came to comfort all who mourn,
and unto us a Son was given, unto us a Child was born.

On the very first Christmas, so many years ago
all the angels lifted voices to praise the savior who was Lord,
but so few seemed to notice. So many just ignored
that unto us a Son was given, unto us a Child was born.

But the town was so busy there was just no room for Him.
So, in the corner of a stable, it was a manger they laid Him in.
And strangers paid no mind, they just couldn’t make the time.
Only shepherds came to offer praise at the Miracle inside.

Now there’s Christmas trees everywhere with bright and shining lights.
There’s caroling in the streets, “jingle Bells and Silent Night”
(Oh Holy Night)
There’s Barbie Dolls and shopping malls and gifts in online stores,
but sometimes we’re so busy that we forget what it’s all for …

‘Cause everyone prays for snow, for Christmas and for mistletoe.
It seems the world gets lost in reindeer and Santa Claus.
So this year let’s remember what the celebration’s for.
‘Cause unto us a Son was given, Jesus Christ – Jesus Christ the Lord.

So on this very Christmas, well I’m going to make it known.
I’ll be singing with the angels to praise the savior who is Lord.
I’ll stand and I’ll take notice. I won’t let it be ignored
That unto us a Son was given, unto us a Child was born.
Oh unto us a Son was given, unto us a Child was born.

It's all Biab - and the band is...

Drums: Terry Clarke, =JOBIM_P.STY
Bass: Neil Swainson, =JOBIM_P.STY
Finger Pick Guitar: Jason Roller, =EAGF_GF.STY
Dobro: Wanda Vick, _ALLISR.STY
Mandolin: Andy Leftwich, _PBALMNS.STY

https://soundcloud.com/user-722422510/tracks