It is that time of year. Has been for a month if you frequent shopping malls. Christmas and seasonal music is everywhere.

I’m not a big fan of songs about Santa and Rudolf. I don’t care who Mommy kissed or that Grandma got run over. Give me traditional carols that tell the Christmas story in its simplicity and glory. But every so often I come across a modern Christmas song that resonates with me.

It was almost 20 years ago that I first heard Pierce Pettis‘ song “Miriam.” The first time I heard it I felt chills go up my spine. Listening to it again in this Christmas season I still get the same reaction.

The story has become so familiar over time that we can easily forget that there were real people involved with human emotions. I find the song captures the moment of that first Christmas and is a must listen at every Christmas.

Miriam

No banners were unfurled
When God stepped into the world
Held in the arms of a little girl
Named Miriam

Who would ever believe
Your fiance, your family
The teenage pregnancy
Of Miriam

But laws of nature were suspended
Death sentences rescinded
Throughout all the world
And all because of a little girl named Miriam

Medieval paintings glaring down
Stony figures judge and frown
Wearing a halo like a crown
Could that be Miriam

Gentile temples, stained glass swirls
Cherubim with golden curls
How unlike your Hebrew world
Miriam

I don’t know if you ascended
I don’t care what’s been amended
There was one sure miracle
The faith of a little girl named Miriam

Oh you are blessed indeed
Blessed is the fruit of your tree
Yeshua kings of kings
And son of Miriam

No banners were unfurled
When God stepped into the world
Held in the arms of a little girl
Named Miriam