Day 1 of 37 Days of Christmas 2025 – Judah’s Great Lion

Judah’s Great Lion – The Visitation 1989

Happy first (official) day of the 37 Days of Christmas in the year 2025!

Check out the first family advent Sunday post if you missed it!

Today I am sharing with you a song that my father, Doug Eltzroth, wrote while he was working as the “Composer in Residence” at First Presbyterian Boulder, CO. in the 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 of Judah’s Great Lion. We hope to re-record it in the coming year.

I turned 30 this year so that means Judah’s Great Lion is a few years older than me. But the story is as true today as it was in the 80’s. During this 37 day of Christmas we will share old and new songs that contain the beauty and truth of the Christmas story. The story of Advent was foretold, took place and then was written long ago and now I invite you to celebrate with us over these next 37 days.

Last year 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 and 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