Once In Royal David's City
The C.R.S. Players Lyrics

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Once in royal David's city shepherds watched by night
Struck by fear and wonder as angels filled the sky
Once in royal David's city; the city on the hill
A son was born of a virgin; a prophesy fulfilled

Born that night
Born that night
Born that night

Once in royal David's city a star shone in the sky
Guiding the Magi's journey towards the Gift of Life
Once in royal David's city were frankincense, gold, and myrrh
Gifts from the east fit for a King to honor Jesus' birth

Born that night
Born that night
Born that night

Once in royal David's city God made flesh and bone
Born to die a sacrifice to bring His children home
Once in royal David's city the universe was changed
Son of God, Son of Man; The Good News now proclaimed

Born that night

Born that night
Born that night

Overall Meaning

These lyrics are a retelling of the biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ in the city of Bethlehem, which is often referred to as royal David's city because David, the great King of Israel, was born there.

The first verse talks about how shepherds were watching their flocks by night when suddenly they were filled with fear and wonder as angels appeared in the sky. This is a reference to the biblical account in Luke 2:8-14, where angels visit the shepherds and announce the birth of Jesus.

The second verse mentions a star that shone in the sky, guiding the Magi, also known as the three wise men or kings, on their journey to find the Gift of Life, which is Jesus. The Magi brought gifts of frankincense, gold, and myrrh, symbolizing Jesus' divinity, royalty, and eventual death as the savior of humanity.

The third verse focuses on the profound significance of Jesus' birth. It states that God became flesh and bone, being born as a human to ultimately sacrifice himself for the salvation of his children. The birth of Jesus is depicted as a moment that changed the entire universe, as it marked the arrival of the Son of God and Son of Man, bringing forth the Good News of salvation.

Overall, the lyrics of "Once In Royal David's City" celebrate the miraculous birth of Jesus and the profound impact it had on humanity.

Line by Line Meaning

Once in royal David's city shepherds watched by night
In the past, shepherds in the city of David kept a vigilant watch during the night

Struck by fear and wonder as angels filled the sky
They were overwhelmed with both fear and awe when the sky was filled with angels

Once in royal David's city; the city on the hill
Once in the prominent city of David, situated on a high hill

A son was born of a virgin; a prophesy fulfilled
A son was born to a virgin, thus fulfilling a prophecy

Born that night
He was born on that particular night

Born that night
Born on that very night

Born that night
His birth occurred during that night

Once in royal David's city a star shone in the sky
At one time, a star appeared and illuminated the sky above David's city

Guiding the Magi's journey towards the Gift of Life
It served as a guiding force for the journey of the Magi towards the precious Gift of Life

Once in royal David's city were frankincense, gold, and myrrh
In the past, there were offerings of frankincense, gold, and myrrh in David's city

Gifts from the east fit for a King to honor Jesus' birth
These gifts from the east were suitable for a King as a way to honor the birth of Jesus

Once in royal David's city God made flesh and bone
At one point in royal David's city, God took on human form and became flesh and bone

Born to die a sacrifice to bring His children home
His purpose of being born was to die as a sacrificial offering in order to reunite His children with Him

Once In Royal David's CityThe C.R.S. Players Lyrics

Once In Royal David's City
The C.R.S. Players Lyrics