Suddenly

Fred Hammond's “Suddenly” is a Christmas song that retells the nativity with a gospel groove. The first verse says that of all the miracles, none compare to that glorious day. Seeing the need of man, God devised a plan to rescue, and a veil that stood between earth and heaven was no obstacle to him because he found a way to bring people closer.

The chorus gives the song its title. “Suddenly, from the dark came a light that would never dim.” It follows with the Father's favor and good will to men, then with peace and joy and the hope of the earth through the Savior's birth. The second verse follows the star that guided the travelers, noting that kings brought silver and gold but did not know that the child would change all life and reign forever. The bridge goes to the manger, where there was no place for the Savior. He humbled himself, forsook his wealth and chose to be in the flesh just like the singer, coming for his life. The vamp repeats the line about the Savior's birth with call-and-response from the choir. The tone is joyful but also reverent about the cost behind the story. It works as a seasonal praise song and as a reminder that the manger leads to the cross.

Angels praising God and proclaiming peace is Luke 2:13-14. The visit of the wise men is Matthew 2:9-11, and taking the form of a servant is Philippians 2:7-8.