Baby Son

John Mark McMillan's song "Baby Son" delves into the unexpected and humble arrival of Jesus Christ, contrasting the anticipated grandeur with the reality of His birth. The lyrics open with the expectations of a messianic figure adorned with a crown of gold, pearls, and a luxurious robe, wielding power with an iron fist to bring justice and change. This imagery reflects the common Jewish expectation of a powerful, kingly Messiah who would overthrow oppressive political systems and establish a new order through force and might.

However, McMillan juxtaposes these expectations with the actual circumstances of Jesus' birth. Instead of arriving with a sword and armored guard, Jesus is born in the most humble of settings, cradled in His mother's arms. This stark contrast highlights the revolutionary nature of Jesus' mission and the subversive way He chose to bring about change. The line "The government now rests upon the shoulders of this baby son" is a direct reference to the prophecy in Isaiah 9:6, emphasizing that true leadership and salvation come through humility and vulnerability, not through power and violence.

The song also touches on the theme of acceptance and recognition. The lyrics question whether there is room in our hearts for this humble Savior, pointing out that the inn was full and the world was dark, yet the sacred still shines through the profane. This speaks to the idea that divinity can be found in the most unexpected places and that Jesus' willingness to become one of us is a profound act of love and solidarity. The repeated refrain of "Gloria, allelu" and the declaration of Christ as Lord express a deep longing and reverence for this unexpected, yet deeply significant, arrival.