Mariah Carey, “Jesus Born on This Day” | Sunday Refresh

On the 31^st edition of Sunday Refresh (2021), we’re uplifted by Mariah Carey performing, “Jesus Born on This Day.”

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elcome to Sunday Refresh , a column that seeks to highlight inspirational songs to uplift the spirit.  These tracks that appear on Sunday Refresh may or may not be faith-based or religious; the goal is for them to make you feel better – refreshed.  So, for the 31^st edition of Sunday Refresh (2021), we highlight “Jesus Born on This Day” as performed by Mariah Carey.

When it comes to Merry Christmas, the famous, 1994 Mariah Carey album, the biggest song is “All I Want for Christmas is You” – DUH! That said, there are some great religious songs on the LP associated with Christmas that rouse the spirit and touch the soul. After previously writing and refreshing with closer “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child” (Mariah Carey, “Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child”: Sunday Refresh No. 29 (2021)), I examined the stirring “Jesus Born on This Day,” the seventh track on Merry Christmas.  Carey wrote this song alongside famed songwriter/producer Walter Afanasieff.  That’s right – it’s an original from the Grammy-winning R&B musician.

“Jesus Oh What a Wonderful Child” is the quicker, more gospel-infused spiritual cut from Merry Christmas.  Still, “Jesus Born on This Day” speaks to awesomeness of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus.  “Today, a child is born on Earth,” Carey sings on the first verse, adding, “Today the glory of God / Shines everywhere / For all of the world.” The words are simple but incredibly ‘telling.’  Similarly, on the second verse, Carey shifts from explicitly calling him Jesus to referring to him as “the Lamb of God.” On the third verse, Jesus is simply referenced as Him. Of course, the centerpiece is the chorus (with variations) where Carey ensures the whole world knows his name is J-E-S-U-S. She’s backed by choir, amplifying the greatness of ‘The Son of God.’

“Oh, Jesus, born on this day
He is our light and salvation
Oh, Jesus, born on this day
He is the King of all nations.”

Christians will undoubtedly connect with the spiritual significance of “Jesus Born on This Day” – it’s powerful.  Sure, Carey doesn’t deliver crazy runs or ad-libs, but she’s authentic and incredibly commanding. Those who don’t consider themselves Christians, spiritual, or religious can appreciate the radiance of this performance and the emotions its intended to incite.  Even if the message doesn’t apply to all, this 1994 gem from a stacked Christmas album remains refreshing.

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Mariah Carey • Merry Christmas • Sony • 1994
Mariah Carey, “Jesus Born on This Day”: Sunday Refresh No. 31 (2021) [: Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype, Sony, Zac Durant on Unsplash]

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