Fernando Ortega is an adult contemporary singer-songwriter in contemporary … Read Full Bio ↴Fernando Ortega is an adult contemporary singer-songwriter in contemporary Christian music. He is noted both for his interpretations of many traditional hymns and songs, such as "Give Me Jesus" and "Be Thou My Vision," and for writing clear, easily understood songs, such as "This Good Day."

Ortega was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico near the banks of the Rio Grande. He started learning piano at eight years of age. Through his father's work with the United States Department of State, he also spent time in Ecuador and Barbados. It is from his heritage and classical training at The University of New Mexico where Ortega derives his sound, embracing country, classical, Celtic, Latin American, world, modern folk, and rustic hymnody. Fernando Ortega currently leads worship at Christ the King Anglican Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

His album Storm reached No. 197 on the Billboard 200 in 2002, and Christmas Songs reached No. 36 on the Billboard Christmas Album Chart in 2009.

Winter Song
Fernando Ortega Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Thrushes stir in the trees and hide from the moonlight
High on the stony ridge all is still
The whole world is waiting, silent as the icy stars
A holy winter to cheer our darkened hearts

Jesus, our Lord and King, born in a stable
Wrapped in rags, asleep on a bed of straw
Though He is from heaven, still it is enough for Him

He who made the mountains and will come again to reign

Oh blessed night! Bright angels are singing
For Heaven's Light is lying in a manger bed
Sweet Mary, she kisses His head and sings a lullaby

O boundless mercy of God, beautiful mystery!
The braying donkeys sheep and birds of the air
And shepherds and sages all have come this night
To welcome Him, redeemer of the world

Oh blessed night! Bright angels are singing

For Heaven's Light is lying in a manger bed
Sweet Mary, she kisses His head and sings a lullaby

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "Winter Song" by Fernando Ortega paint a vivid image of a holy winter scene. Thrushes are stirring in the trees while staying hidden in the moonlight. The stony ridge is serene and still, and everything seems to be waiting for something to happen. This is followed by an acknowledgment of Jesus as the Lord and King who was born in a stable, wrapped in rags, and sleeping on a straw bed. Despite being from heaven and creating the mountains, he was content with his humble beginnings. The song praises the blessed night when heaven's light came down to earth and was born in a manger, surrounded by angels singing and Mary singing a lullaby.

The lyrics of "Winter Song" carry a significant religious message centered around the birth of Jesus, reminding listeners of the true reason for the season. The song recognizes Jesus as the savior of the world and emphasizes the humble beginnings he endured upon coming into the world. The song's reflections on the winter night encourage listeners to look towards Jesus as a source of hope and light in the midst of a darkened world. The mention of thrushes and other wildlife adds depth and beauty to the already enchanting scene, as if everything is perfectly aligned with the sacred rhythm of the holy winter night.

Line by Line Meaning

Thrushes stir in the trees and hide from the moonlight
Birds are rustling in the trees and taking cover from the moon's glare

High on the stony ridge all is still
The rocky crest stands motionless, calm and quiet

The whole world is waiting, silent as the icy stars
The entire world is in anticipation, hushed like the frozen stars

A holy winter to cheer our darkened hearts
A consecrated time of year to brighten our gloomy souls

Jesus, our Lord and King, born in a stable
Jesus, the ruler and savior, arrived in a shelter for livestock

Wrapped in rags, asleep on a bed of straw
He rested on hay, covered in old cloth

Though He is from heaven, still it is enough for Him
Despite being celestial, this was sufficient for Him

He who made the mountains and will come again to reign
He, who created the mountains, will return to rule once more

Oh blessed night! Bright angels are singing
What a joyful night! Radiant angels sing out

For Heaven's Light is lying in a manger bed
The Incarnation, personifying divine illumination, rests in a feed trough

Sweet Mary, she kisses His head and sings a lullaby
Adoring Mary kisses her infant son's forehead and hums a sweet melody

O boundless mercy of God, beautiful mystery!
Oh, God's immeasurable grace, such a gorgeous enigma!

The braying donkeys sheep and birds of the air
Mules, sheep, and birds call out loudly

And shepherds and sages all have come this night
Shepherds and wise men have congregated this evening

To welcome Him, redeemer of the world
They have come to greet Him, savior of Earth

Writer(s): PETER MORRISON, JOHN ANDREW SCHREINER, ELAINE RUBENSTEIN, FERNANDO ORTEGA

Contributed by David D. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

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