There Was No Room (Christmas Card 2020)
I remember–oh how I remember!–being pregnant and sick sick sick… driving across the country to our first real Air Force assignment…. where, little did we know, there were no temporary lodging facilities and no vacancies at hotels that wouldn’t bankrupt us.
It was such a lonely, lost, helpless feeling, especially for my husband who did everything he could to find a room. At three in the morning, he gave up and paid wayyyy too much so I could have a few hours rest.
Mary and Joseph didn’t have that choice, so Mary’s child–God’s beloved Son–was laid in a manger because the guest chambers were full.
There was probably no mean innkeeper, but there was an entire town full of unknowing folk who might have given them a better place had they only realized what was happening.
It’s such a valuable allegory for us today! Do we have room for the Son of God or are the chambers of our hearts full of clutter that shuts Him out?
But thou are all replete with very thou
And hast such shrewd activity,
That when He comes He says, “This is enow
Unto itself – ’twere better let it be,
It is so small and full, there is no room for me.”
Thomas Edward Brown (about 1875)
I’ve always loved that poem, and wished I could set it to music. The ending is too sad for me though, so…
This year’s Christmas Card Carol is titled “There Was No Room.” Of course, it’s in minor but it ends with commitment:
There is also an SSATB choral available. Because of this stupid pandemic (yeah, that’s putting it mildly!) I nearly gave up on a choral. Why write something for choir when we don’t have choirs?
Because someday, somehow we will have choirs again. We will.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Make room for Him–this Christmas and always.
Links to material in this post
There Was No Room (Solo or SSATB)
“Indwelling” by Thomas Edward Brown
Handy info…
Since you asked: How to Find Translations on This SiteFinding translations here is super easy. This is what you do: […]
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Thanks you!
Wonderful!!!!!! Thank you!
Just gorgeous. ❤️
Beautiful. Once again, you’ve made this world a more beautiful place with your music. Every single time I use one of your pieces in choir or for soloists I get tons of compliments on the beauty of the arrangements. Thank you!!
Not being a true musician, I can only give a novice listener and singer appreciation. But your music, in particular this lovely Christmas Carol, speaks to my soul. I love the spiritual warmth your music brings to my heart. Thank you.
Than you Sally for a wonderful Christmas message. I love the words and the message, we need this especially this year!
Amazingly wonderful. I love your music and lyrics. Thank you, dear sister.
May you have glorious and joyous Christmas season.
That is so beautiful! Thanks…I love you.
Hope. It’s all any of us have regarding anything. Hope and faith. Thank you for keeping the faith and giving us renewed hope! Merry Christmas to you and yours as well!
Thank you. This was just what I needed to put things into perspective.
Beautiful and touching! I too wish we had a choir to sing it. But the solo was wonderful!
I like the minor key. Is this able to be published in an advanced piano solo? If so, I would like to see some of it and possibly order a copy.
Thank you.
How wonderful this music will be to perform as either a solo or a ward choir number! It is lovely and so full of the spirit, and hopefully we will be able to sing again – at least next Christmas 2021. Thank you so much for your continuing gifts to all of us!
Beautiful! The message flows and grows effectively. Thank you!!
Another beautiful hymn that you have done. Thank you for sharing your very special talent. I too love the Savior. And his nativity is close to my heart. I can’t wait till we can sing again!
Yes, we will have choirs again. I have to believe this, to think otherwise is heartbreaking. Well done another powerful and moving Christmas song to help us praise, help us imagine, help us tell the story, given with your generous heart and skillful head and hands. Thank you. Hope you have a treasured Christmas despite the madness in these strange and troubled times
Exquisite. I love the minor key (and the commitment.) Such a beautiful, healing piece, this year especially. Thank you!
Beautiful — another Sally Song to add to my favorites — thank you so much!!
This is a beautiful song and a great reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.
Sally, I have told you before but I will tell you again — everything your write is my favorite! Your songs fit my hands. This song is so beautiful. Please keep writing!! Merry Christmas and much love!
Judy Johnson (Loveland CO)
very lovely !!
Wonderful as usual. Sally. Your words say so much and makes us think what would we have done. Would we have been the ones to offer up what we had.Lovely vocals by James. Love all your Christmas songs. Have a wonderful happy peaceful Christmas.
Sally, it’s beautiful, just like everything else you write. I love it!
Oh, thank you so much! Absolutely gorgeous, peaceful, calming!