During the next two decades Carman changed the face of Christian music and evolved contemporary evangelism into what it is today. Carman established "Carman World Outreach," a non-profit organization that helps touch the lives of literally millions of people worldwide. Billboard Magazine recognized Carman's influence in Christian music by first naming him "Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year" in 1990. He has received numerous gold and platinum albums and videos. Even with all this success, the heartbeat of this Champion for Christ continues to beat strong for the souls of people who need Jesus. As an outflow of this passion, Carman had more than 50,000 people attend his "Music for Peace" crusade in Johannesburg, South Africa. These numbers topped the charts as his largest concert crusade ever, until more than 70,000 people packed the legendary Texas Stadium, making it the largest Christian concert in history.
For over 26 years, Carman has entertained, encouraged and preached the Gospel to millions-crossing denominational, cultural and ethnic lines. During this time, he has never compromised the call to take the Gospel to every person.
Carman died on February 16, 2021 (28 days after his 65th birthday) in a Las Vegas hospital, after a series of complications resulting from surgery to repair a hiatal hernia. He was survived by his ex-wife, five stepchildren and ten step-grandchildren.
Bethlehem
Carman Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Was born to Mary and Joseph the great I am
And they sang that Christmas morning
Oh a Saviour has been born
And it happened a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
Well a long time ago when a wise man roamed the land
They saw a shiny star above the dessert sand
And it happened a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
Well it happened a long
A long
Oh a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
And they sang that Christmas morning
Oh a Saviour has been born
And it happened a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
King Herod learned a lesson
He learned it real hard
You just don't mess with the son of God
Well a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
I said a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
Well the demons they cried
They moaned and wailed
The kingdom got set back on it's tail
Well a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
Well a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
Well it happened a long
A long
Oh a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
And they sang that Christmas morning
Oh a Saviour has been born
And it happened a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
And it happened a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
And it happened a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
The song "Bethlehem" by Carman speaks about the birth of Jesus Christ in the town of Bethlehem. The song reminds us that the event took place a long time ago, yet it is still celebrated every Christmas as a symbol of hope and salvation. The lyrics mention Mary and Joseph as parents, the three wise men following the star to find the baby Jesus, and King Herod's unsuccessful attempt to harm the son of God. The chorus repeats the message that a Savior has been born, and it happened in Bethlehem.
The song paints a picture of a miraculous event that changed the course of human history. It celebrates the birth of Jesus, who came to offer salvation to all who believe in him. The song also mentions the reaction of the demons, who cried and wailed as the kingdom of God was established. This implies that the birth of Jesus was a powerful event that shook the spiritual world.
Overall, "Bethlehem" is a joyful song that tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ. It reminds us that this event happened a long time ago in a small town, yet its impact is still felt today. The song encourages us to celebrate Christmas with the understanding that it represents the fulfillment of a promise made centuries ago.
Line by Line Meaning
Well a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
In ancient times, in a place known as Bethlehem
Was born to Mary and Joseph the great I am
Jesus Christ, who is known as the 'great I am', was born to Mary and Joseph
And they sang that Christmas morning
On the morning of Christ's birth, people sang in celebration
Oh a Saviour has been born
The birth of Jesus heralded the arrival of a saviour
And it happened a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
The events being described took place many years ago in Bethlehem
Well a long time ago when a wise man roamed the land
In a distant past, a wise man wandered the earth
They saw a shiny star above the dessert sand
The wise men observed a bright star above the desert sands
Well they hopped the camels that night and rode by the pale moonlight
That very night, they rode on camels guided by the light of the moon
King Herod learned a lesson
King Herod gained knowledge through a difficult experience
He learned it real hard
The lesson was difficult and intense for King Herod to learn
You just don't mess with the son of God
King Herod learned that it is unwise to oppose the son of God
I said a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
Once again, referring to the distant past in Bethlehem
Well the demons they cried
The demons lamented and wailed
They moaned and wailed
The demons expressed their anguish through moaning and wailing
The kingdom got set back on it's tail
Something disrupted the balance of the kingdom
And it happened a long time ago in a land called Bethlehem
Once again reiterating that these events occurred in the past in Bethlehem
Contributed by Owen R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Chadetta Blankenship
When I heard this song back in the 80's I thought it sacrilegious but have since realized the HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS being reached through Carmen's music. Love this song now.
kevinfan726
that was the first song I ever heard by Carman. 1984. I found the cassette in the bargain bin at my local Christian bookstore. I thought he was cute, so I bought it. LOVED IT and went looking for more of his music. When he FINALLY got popular, I was so happy.
Kathleen Battiest
I love how he put the best words to the coolest music, like now
Russell Fryman
I bought this album at his concert in Phoenix. 1980ish. Fun concert. Idk that it ever sold outside his concerts.
BROTHER JONATHAN 1238412 BURG
ACTS 2 38!