The song has become popular recently, especially with the beautiful arrangement by Pentatonix. But as I saw in a recent Twitter post, “Yes, Mary did know. Now quit asking!”

We often miss the human side of the original Christmas story, though. And though Mary did know that “this sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am,” many others throughout his life missed it. Here, then, are some new words for the old song asking questions from a different point of view….

Mary, did they know you were young and scared and filled with childlike wonder?
Mary, did they know you were just a girl when life around you thundered?
Did they know that the man you wed was not your baby’s dad?
The tears that stain your cheeks now aren’t tears from being sad.

Mary, did they know when the shepherds came to gaze upon your child
Mary, did they know that before he’s weaned, the boy would be reviled?
Did they know that the Roman king would seek to have him killed?
This innocent in your arms the prophecies fulfilled.

The shepherds came, the wise men kneeled, the angels sing his praise.
The rulers fear, the common cheer, this babe who will be raised.

Mary, did they know that a virgin girl had carried God in her womb?
Mary, did they know that before you died you’d weep outside of his tomb?
Did they know that your life would be a tragedy of peace?
The child there in the manger would make suff’ring cease.

Mary, did they know?

(c) 2016, Randall J. Ehle. All rights reserved.