Twelve Songs of Christmas, Day 1: Christmas Shoes

Last year I had a vision of writing about lyrics from Christmas songs that inspired me for the twelve days leading up to Christmas. The days passed by and suddenly there were only six days until Christmas. But I did it anyway – a song a day.

This year, I’m getting my act together earlier and making this happen on the twelve days leading up to Christmas. For me, the song lyrics help in my quest to keep Christ at the center of Christmas – to remind me of the real meaning, to focus on giving and sharing of love and goodwill towards mankind.

“As we prepare for Christmas, shopping and decorating fill our days, while parties and renewing old friendships bring us excitement.

But always in the background—in the malls, in stores, on the radio and in churches—being sung by choices, children, and carolers is the music that serves to remind us of the reason for the season. 

Christmas songs are one of the oldest traditions of the holiday and these memorable sounds help recapture the true spirit of Christmas."

-The Sounds of Christmas, by Pam Griffin

This first song is a song I’ve heard described as “overplayed” by many people. It may be true. But it is also true that it is a song that I can rarely listen to without crying. Part of the reason is that it reminds me of how much we can learn from little children.

Here are some selected lyrics:

The Christmas Shoes
by NewSong

It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me

He said mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
And I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great

…

I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about

While on this earth, Christ spoke with and made time for children. And he chastised his disciples when they tried to send away little children that had been brought unto him:

Matthew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

I’m grateful for children – for how they help keep the magic, and purpose, of Christmas front and center.

I’m also grateful for the reminder that we have a choice in how we look at things – we can stay like the person at the beginning of the song, noticing only how long the line is, the annoying (pacing) behavior of those around us, the amount of time it takes for others needs to be met (counting out of coins) – or we can look for the intent and love behind the actions of others.

The role of perception is highlighted in Merry and Bright by Debbie Macomber:

Parents stood with them [children] as the children squirmed. Jayson couldn’t imagine the nightmare of standing in line with a bunch of fussy kids. Mary, however, had exactly the opposite reaction.

“Aren’t the children adorable?”

…

“Look at those parents,” he commented. “They’re exhausted, the kids are fussy, and Santa looks like he’s completely worn out.”

“That’s what you see?” she asked, sounding shocked.

“You mean you don’t?”

“No!” She stopped in front of the window. “I see that little girl in the ballerina-style dress entertaining her little brother and telling him all about Santa and those two mothers chatting happily, sharing experiences and information. As for Santa, he’s the best. …”

Jayson paused, trying to see it through Mary’s eyes, and realized she was right.

My goal: see Christmas through the eyes of a child this season – full of wonder, excitement and love.