When A Child Is Born

Christmas Carol Lyrics

A ray of hope flickers in the sky
A tiny star lights up way up high
All across the land dawns a brand new morn
This comes to pass when a child is born

A silent wish sails the seven seas
The winds of change whisper in the trees
And the walls of doubt crumble tossed and torn
This comes to pass, when a child is born

A rosy hue settles all around
You got the feel, you're on solid ground
For a spell or two no one seems forlorn
This comes to pass, when a child is born

Spoken: And all of this happens, because the world is waiting.
Waiting for one child; Black-white-yellow, no one knows...
but a child that will grow up and turn tears to laughter,
hate to love, war to peace and everyone to everyone's neighbor,
and misery and suffering will be words to be forgotten forever.

It's all a dream and illusion now,
It must come true sometime soon somehow,
All across the land dawns a brand new morn,
This comes to pass when a child is born.

History Of This Carol

When a Child Is Born is a gentle and hopeful Christmas song that first blossomed into popularity during the 1970s. The melody began as an Italian tune titled Soleado, composed in 1974 by Ciro Dammicco. Its soft, flowing structure made it ideal for new lyrics, and soon English-language songwriter Fred Jay crafted the reflective words that turned the piece into a seasonal favorite.

The song is not a traditional retelling of the Nativity story. Instead, it speaks more broadly about the arrival of a child as a symbol of peace, renewal, and possibility. This wider message helped the song become popular with audiences of many backgrounds. It feels both seasonal and universal, carrying a quiet optimism that resonates far beyond Christmas celebrations.

Johnny Mathis recorded the most famous version in 1976 (see video below). His smooth, tender delivery helped the song find a lasting place in holiday playlists across the English-speaking world. Other artists have covered it over the years, each adding their own emotional shading, yet preserving the song’s peaceful heart.

With its comforting message and gentle melody, When a Child Is Born offers a moment of calm reflection amid the energy of the holidays. It is often chosen for Christmas concerts and candlelit services because it reminds listeners that with new life comes new hope.

Performance Video from Johnny Mathis

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