It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin’ to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing round like little boys do, and in his hands he held a pair of shoes
His clothes were worn and old
He was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn’t believe what I heard him say

(Chorus) Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my mama, please
It’s Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy said there’s not much time
You see, mom’s been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, “Son, there’s not enough here”
He searched his pockets frantically, then he turned and he looked at me
He said, “Mama always made Christmas good at our house,
Through most years she did without
Tell me, sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow, I’ve got to buy these Christmas shoes.”
I just had to help him out
And as I laid the money down
I’ll never forget the look on his face
When he said, “Mama’s gonna look so great.”

(Repeat Chorus)

I knew I’d caught a glimpse of heaven’s love as he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy my way
To remind me just what Christmas is all about

(Repeat Chorus)

The Christmas Shoes, which evokes a huge emotional response in every person who hears it was written by Eddie Carswell of NewSong and released by NewSong in 2000. It rose to the top of Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Singles chart on January 6, 2001.

“The Christmas Shoes”, a Christmas bonus track from Sheltering Tree, became a #1 mainstream radio hit. It made it to the top of the Billboard’s Adult Contemporary Chart, and inspired Donna VanLiere to write a book based on the song.
Originally an Internet-forwarded legend, it was forwarded to a member of the Christian vocal group NewSong in 1996. They worked on the song for four years and eventually released it as a bonus track in 2000; it reached #31 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart that year.

The Christmas Shoes Lyrics and Video