New Christmas hymn invites everyone to worship the Christ Child – Church News

The story behind Hymns – For Home and Church’s new Christmas song, “Little Baby in the Manger,” began 18 years ago in South Korea.

American composer Tracy Roe and her husband Ryan lived there with their two-year-old daughter Eliza while Ryan taught English and prepared for graduate school. The couple considered it an adventure.

Law had been creating new arrangements of hymns for a long time, but now he wanted to write his own songs.

She decided to write something that combined two of her favorite things: motherhood and Christmas.

“I wanted to do something that Mary could sing to her baby,” Lo said. “But it’s kind of evolved and ends with painting the whole Nativity picture and inviting everyone to worship together.”

She hopes people who hear the song will respond to the invitation to worship.

“Because of the words that are in it, I feel like it’s an opportunity to invite the Savior into my heart in real time. So I really hope people take advantage of that opportunity.”

Listen to this song here.

inspiration through effort

Since he didn’t have a piano at home in Korea, Lo frequently walked to the local meeting hall and continued to compose on the ward’s piano. Law feels that the extra effort that went into composing this song gives it a special feel.

“The whole process was so much fun,” she said, recalling the months of work.

Lo spoke of the moment she felt God working through her to put the song on paper.

“I worked hard and worked hard at it, but at times I felt like I just flowed through it like a conduit.”

One of the more difficult parts of the process for Law was writing the chorus. She eventually settled on repeating the word “Alleluia” because of the word’s worshipful nature.

A note below the published version of the song elaborates: “‘Alleluia’ means ‘Praise the Lord.'” It shows how blessed we are that Jesus was born on this earth to save us. ”

The song brought surprise and awe to Law, who gave birth to her second child, Abigail, during the writing process. The birth of an infant led her to think deeply about Mary’s experience raising the Christ child.

“Can you even imagine?” said Law. “You have a precious baby, a child of God, and you have a responsibility to care for him,” she said. “I think it’s going to be overwhelming and beautiful.”

Christ is always there

Lowe’s love of music was shaped by her participation in a children’s religious choir during her childhood. Since then, she has felt that music can be used to its full potential to help people connect with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

“If they feel that way, a lot of other challenges might go away,” she said.

The lyrics that help Lo feel closer to Christ are found in the first verse. “Little baby in the manger — come save both friends and strangers.”

Law said everyone will have times when they feel like a stranger and far from Christ.

“What I really wanted to say is that no matter where you are on that spectrum, God is still there for you. God is always there for you.”

Law said that by writing this song, he solidified his testimony to the Savior that he was “worth saving.”

From contest to congregation

Sharing the “little baby in the manger” with the entire church is a “huge deal” for Roe. However, this is not the first time her song has received public attention.

Law submitted the song, then titled “Little Baby,” to a church music contest and won first place in that category. Shortly after, she was invited to share “Little Baby” at New Era in December 2008.

The song also plays into her family’s adoration, as Tracy and Ryan are now parents to five children. Their son Joshua even requested that this song be sung at his baptism. Law said this is one of her favorite songs she has ever written.

“This song was written in 2007, so it’s been a part of my family for a long time,” she said. “I can’t believe it’s being shared with everyone. I can’t believe it. I’m at a loss for words.”

Currently the assistant director of the Utah Valley Children’s Choir, Lowe continues to compose at his home in Spanish Fork, Utah. According to her website, she strives to make music that draws people to what matters most.

“Music has a way of creating a sense of belonging and connection,” she said. “I always want to provide that through my songs.”