Day 1 of 37 Days of Christmas 2024 – Judah’s Great Lion

Judah’s Great Lion – The Visitation 1989

My father wrote Judah’s Great Lion while he was working as the “Composer in Residence” at First Presbyterian, Boulder CO. – mid ‘80’s. He made this recording in 1989 while he was still living in Colorado. As far as we know this is the only recording to date.

I’m 28 and I was born in 1995, so that means this song is a few years older than me. The beauty and truth of the Christmas story is that it is older than all of us. The story was written and foretold long ago.

Just recently my father told me the story of when Judah’s Great Lion became his favorite poetic expression. There was a sermon series on the Old Testament prophets that he was a part of while he was living and working Boulder. That is when he got the initial spark that inspired him to write this song. He learned that Judah’s Savior had long been foretold in the Hebrew scriptures and that story is fulfilled in the New Testament. The story of Christmas does not turn out like people expect it. Judah’s Great Lion became a Lamb.

– Trailand

Judah’s Great Lion | Lyrics

This baby of Nazareth
Is God breathing human breath
Infinite God now infant so small

Israel’s “I Am I Am”
Cradled in Bethlehem
The Giver of law at the mercy of all

Chorus:
He’s the ancient of days now brand new
Hear the Voice of the Creator as He coos
God Omnipresent in small Bethlehem
Come worship Judah’s Great Lion now Lamb
Come worship Judah’s Great Lion now Lamb

Human nativity
Is God now on bended knee
Omniscient and wise now unable to speak

Ruler of Zion
Just straw now to lie on
Once never slumbered yet now fast asleep

Bridge:
The refuge of David, his rock, his strong hold
Is now wrapped in softness for Mary to hold