Sent Me A King

Jonathan McReynolds' “Sent Me A King” is a Christmas song that tells the story from the point of view of a person who received a gift. The opening says God sent a king, one born to change everything, and a light, a love that makes wrong men right in a way only he can. The singer adds that God sent more than just a man.

The verses connect the birth to a life of broken places. For every time the heart was broken, for every time the way was lost, for every wrong needing forgiveness, grace came on Christmas Day. The next lines describe a child born as the finest in the universe, whose arrival the angels sing with the sweetest sound, worthy of a throne whether he wears a crown or not. The bridge turns to trust in the valley, since the Lord of the mountains has been born, and invites the listener to lift their hands and see that their help is with them. The song ends by saying all should come and every heart believe. The mix of gospel harmony, jazz chords and a conversational delivery gives it a fresh sound without losing the carol's message. It suits a Christmas program, a winter playlist or a reflection on how the birth of Jesus meets people at their lowest point, not only at times of celebration.

A Savior born in David's city is Luke 2:11. The child called Mighty God and Prince of Peace is Isaiah 9:6, and help from the Lord is Psalm 121:1-2.