Mary Did You Know

The song "Mary Did You Know" was written by Mark Lowry, inspired by a conversation with his mother. He wrote the lyrics for a church presentation and persuaded Buddy Green to compose the melody. The song became popular, although it contradicts the biblical account that Mary did know about Jesus' significance. The song asks thought-provoking questions about Jesus' abilities and role. In doing some research on this song, Mary Did You Know, I learned that the lyrics were written by Mark Lowry, a local from Lynchburg, Virginia. The thought-provoking lyrics were inspired by a conversation Lowry had with his mother when he was asked to write a program for the Living Christmas Tree Choir presentation at his church. His job was to write narration that would string together the traditional carols. His unique approach was to have a reporter doing a story about Jesus from Mary's point of view. Lowry and his mother brainstormed questions he could ask the Virgin Mother. The questions were then placed in poetic form with rhyming phrases and rhythmic repetition. He felt it deserved musical attention, so he persuaded Buddy Green to compose a melody to fit his words, and before long, the song became one of the most popular contemporary Christmas songs. The song is not without controversy, though, as its questions contradict the biblical account that indeed Mary Did Know. She knew she was to deliver the Son of God, as God had sent an angel to tell her. At any rate, it's a beautiful song that inspires thought and reflection. Mary, did you know that your baby boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would save our sons and daughters? Mary, did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new? This child that you delivered will soon deliver you. Mary, did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man? Mary, did you know that your baby boy would calm a storm with his hand? Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod? And when you kiss your little baby, you've kissed the face of God? Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know? The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again. The lame will leap, the dumb will speak the praises of the Lamb. Mary, did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation? Mary, did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nation? Did you know that your baby boy was heaven's perfect lamb? And the sleeping child you're holding is the great Bahá'u'lláh. Mary, did you know?