Small Cowper Madonna by Raphael, 1505 — *Small Cowper Madonna* by Raphael, 1505

This Christmas season, Uptown Violins is thrilled to perform the contemporary classic “Mary, Did You Know?.” Mark Lowry penned the lyrics in 1984, and Buddy Greene composed the tune in 1991. Since that time, the song has reached millions of people with its powerful message.

All six members of Uptown Violins will perform the work together for our family celebration on Christmas Day.

Growing up, I loved to hear our mother sing “Mary, Did You Know” at Christmas programs. It struck a chord so strong that it inspired me to write a poem. This Christmas Eve, I wanted to share that poem for its 20th anniversary.

Mary’s Treasure
By Ashley (Peterson) Rescot (1999)

Down tender heart there fell a tear,
A mother’s heart was filled with fear.
Her son was dying on a tree,
Then came to her this memory.

“My work was finished for the day,
Then came a man in bright array.
He told me I would bear a son,
A Savior born for everyone.

Soon Joseph took me as his wife,
And we began a brand new life.
The King of Kings and Lord of all,
Was born inside a cattle stall.

Soon shepherds came to see the child,
So lovely, caring, meek, and mild.
And as my little baby grew,
Some wise men from the East came, too.

In later life my child became,
A teacher, healer of the lame.
He cared for sinners, cured the blind,
He loved last measure all mankind.

And now he’s dying for my sin,
My heart is breaking deep within.
I’ll always love this child of mine,
My precious baby, so divine.”

Then Jesus Christ cried out and died,
His mother Mary cried inside.
That Savior born in cattle pen,
Three days past death would rise again.