About the song
Reba McEntire – a name synonymous with country music – returns to enchant us with her holiday spirit in the heartfelt ballad, “The Christmas Guest”. This latest addition to her Christmas discography is more than just a seasonal tune; it’s an invitation to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday season.
With her signature rich vocals and emotive delivery, Reba paints a vivid picture of a quiet Christmas Eve. The song’s lyrics, filled with nostalgia and warmth, transport listeners to a simpler time. She invites us to join her as she reminisces about cherished memories and the joy of family gatherings. There’s a sense of peace and tranquility that permeates every verse, making it the perfect soundtrack for a cozy night by the fire.
One of the standout qualities of “The Christmas Guest” is its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions. From the heartfelt longing for loved ones who are no longer with us to the overwhelming gratitude for the blessings in our lives, Reba captures the complexities of the human experience during the holiday season. Her voice, both powerful and delicate, effortlessly conveys the depth of her feelings, allowing listeners to connect with the song on a personal level.
The production of “The Christmas Guest” is equally impressive. The gentle acoustic guitar strumming and subtle instrumentation create a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements Reba’s vocals perfectly. The arrangement is understated, allowing the focus to remain on the lyrics and the emotional core of the song.
In a time when the holiday season can often feel rushed and commercialized, “The Christmas Guest” serves as a much-needed reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. Reba invites us to celebrate the spirit of giving, the importance of family, and the enduring power of love.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Reba McEntire or simply looking for a beautiful and uplifting holiday song, “The Christmas Guest” is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday playlist. It’s a testament to Reba’s enduring talent as a singer and songwriter, and a reminder that the magic of Christmas can be found in the quiet moments as well as the grand celebrations.
Video
Lyrics
It happened one day near December’s end
Two neighbors called on an old friend
And they found his shop so meager and lean
Made gay with thousand bows of green
And Conrad was sitting with face a-shine
When he suddenly stopped as he stitched a twine
And he said, “Old friends, at dawn today
When the cock was crowing the night away
The Lord appeared in a dream to me
And said, “I’m coming your guest to be.”
So I’ve been busy with feet astir
And strewing my shop with branches of fern
The table is spread and the kettle is shined
And over the rafters the holly is twined
Now I’ll wait for my Lord to appear
And listen closely so I will hear His step
As He nears my humble place
And I’ll open the door and look on His face
So his friends went home and left Conrad alone
For this was the happiest day he had known
For long since, his family had passed away
And Conrad had spent many a sad Christmas Day
But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas Guest
This Christmas would be the dearest and best
So he listened with only joy in his heart
And with every sound he would rise with a start
And look for the Lord to be at his door
Like the vision he had had a few hours before
So he ran to the window after hearing a sound
But all he could see on the snow covered ground
Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn
And all of his clothes were ragged and worn
But Conrad was touched and he went to the door
And he said, “You know, your feet must be frozen and sore
I have some shoes in my shop for you
And a coat that will keep you warmer too.”
So with grateful heart the man went away
But Conrad noticed the time of day
And wondered what made the Lord so late
And how much longer he’d have to wait
When he heard a knock, he ran to the door
But it was only a stranger once more
A bent old lady with a shawl of black
With a bundle of kindling piled on her back
She asked for only a place to rest
But that was reserved for Conrad’s Great Guest
But her voice seemed to plead: “Don’t send me away
Let me rest for awhile on Christmas Day”
So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup
And told her to sit at the table and sup
But after she left, he was filled with dismay
For he saw that the hours were slipping away
And the Lord hadn’t come as he said he would
Then Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood
When out of the stillness he heard a cry
“Please help me and tell me where am I?”
So again he opened his friendly door
And stood disappointed as twice before
It was only a child who’d wandered away
And was lost from her family on Christmas Day
Again Conrad’s heart was heavy and sad
But he knew he should make the little girl glad
So he called her in and he wiped her tears
And quieted all her childish fears
Then he led her back to her home once more
But as he entered his own darkened door
He knew the Lord was not coming today
For the hours of Christmas had passed away
So he went to his room and knelt down to pray
And he said, “Dear Lord, why did you delay?
What kept you from coming to call on me?
For I wanted so much your face to see.’
When soft in the silence a voice he heard
“Lift up your head for I kept my word
Three times my shadow crossed your floor
And three times I came to your lonely door
I was the beggar with bruised, cold feet
And I was the woman you gave something to eat
I was the child on the homeless street
Three times I knocked, and three times I came in
And each time I found the warmth of a friend
Of all the gifts, love is the best
And I was honored to be your Christmas guest
