The John Denver song "The Children of Bethlehem" depicts the famous biblical story of the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem. The lyrics describe a cold winter's night in Bethlehem where the children of the town are awakened by a heavenly light and singing. They gather in the streets, following the whispers and murmurs. Meanwhile, the people of Bethlehem are peacefully sleeping in their beds, unaware of the celestial events happening outside. The children hear a message of peace from the sky, inviting them to come to the stable where the baby Jesus, the symbol of peace, is lying. They are encouraged to follow a star that will guide them to the stable. As the children of Bethlehem make their way towards the stable, the roosters begin to crow, announcing the dawn of a new day. When they arrive at the manger, they find the sweet baby Jesus peacefully sleeping. By following the star and coming to the manger, the children of Bethlehem show the way for others to find peace and love. The song is a celebration of the Christmas story and highlights the role of the children in recognizing and spreading the message of peace and love that Jesus represents. It emphasizes the innocence, purity, and faith of the children, as they are the ones who respond to the divine call and lead others to the baby in the manger.
