Where Else Would A Lamb Be Born

Steve Amerson's “Where Else Would A Lamb Be Born” asks why the Savior came into the world in such humble surroundings. The first verse notes there was “no proper place, no regal palace to receive a royal birth.” God's gift of love was wrapped in a blanket, and that was “His way to reach the earth.”

The chorus gives the answer in the form of a question. “A bed of straw became a cradle, embracing God in human form. One would expect more than a stable, but where else would a Lamb be born.” The image of a lamb ties the manger to the reason for the birth. In the second verse there is again “no stately house, no noble mansion,” and the path Jesus chose “led to an altar,” where he would give his life. The bridge names him the great I AM, the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world. The song links Christmas with Good Friday, reminding listeners that the child in the stable was born to die, and it does so in a gentle and reflective tune. It fits a candlelight service or any program that wants to look beyond the nativity scene to what it points to.

The birth in a manger is Luke 2:7. The Lamb of God who takes away sin is John 1:29, and his appearing to put away sin by sacrifice is Hebrews 9:26.