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Religion

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Submitted By thomasm142
Words 695
Pages 3
Madison Thomas
REL 212
March 16, 2016
Second Reflection Paper
“Christmas Song” and the Life of Jesus “Christmas Song” is a song written by the Dave Matthews Band. It is a song that discusses a few significant parts of Jesus’ life. The song begins by talking about Mary and Joseph. It discusses how they were dating and were soon to be married, and then Mary finds out that she is pregnant and has a baby boy. After that, the song discusses how not much is known about the boy’s childhood, but was never home. Next the song discusses Jesus’ crucifixion, and how he cried to the Lord. Lastly, it discusses how Jesus rose from the dead and we celebrate him. The song simplifies Jesus’ life, and shows the main parts of his life. It seems that in the song, Dave Matthews wrote this song as if Jesus was a normal human. It shows Jesus’ thoughts and concerns about how well he has done with the people he has ministered to. In the song, the audience knows that the story is about Jesus, the Son of God, but he is almost humanized more than usual. He is only discussed as being born, crucified, and celebrated. This song is somewhat religious, but I think it is mainly just telling the story from Dave Matthews’ point of view. The song shows that once Jesus came, love was all around us. There are many parts that I found very interesting. The most interesting part is the lyrics, “The people he knew were less than golden-hearted-gamblers and robbers, drinkers and jokers. All soul searchers like you and me.” Dave Matthews did a great job at personalizing this song, and making us feel like a part of it. He is not saying that Jesus’ ministries failed. He is saying that people are going to fail Jesus. Everyone is sinning every day, but with the forgiveness of Jesus, we are all okay. Another part of the song that intrigued me is the part that discusses when Jesus met Mary Magdalene. The song says, “He met another Mary who for a reasonable fee, less than reputable was known to be.” I find it very interesting that she is called “the other Mary”, instead of her actual name. It is clear that Dave Matthews is referring to her as being a prostitute. However, the next lyrics say, “His heart was full of love, love, love. Love, love was all around”. It is clear to the audience that no matter what Mary’s occupation was, Jesus still loved her with all of his heart. This shows how much Jesus truly cared for everyone. The most intriguing lyrics in the song are “Instead I fear I’ve spilled the blood of our children all around." There are many different ways to interpret this section. However, to me, it almost seems as if Jesus is questioning his ministries. He is worried that he has not done what he was supposed to do for God. He is calling out to God, afraid that he has failed him. He is afraid that his teachings did not change people, and help them become better. Spilling the blood of the children is a symbol for not helping them become a follower of God. Jesus is saying that people are dying and not knowing God. I find this very interesting because throughout my years of learning about the life of Jesus, I never thought of him questioning himself. I think he knew what he came down here to do, and he trusted in himself and God even while dying on the cross. I enjoyed a different perspective of this in the song. Overall, “Christmas Song” is a wonderful song, and I enjoyed analyzing the lyrics. It is amazing how the Dave Matthews Band simplified Jesus’ life, and made it seem so different than what I am used to reading about it. It is clear that Jesus loved everyone so much, and it saddens me to think that he questioned himself on how well he had done in saving people. Overall, this song definitely showed me a different perspective of Jesus’ life.

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