I look around. It’s Christmas Day, but all I see is another holiday. No real joy. No peace on earth. Is there hope for all the hurt? You say, ‘Yes, there is hope and good news … It starts with a baby in a manger.’”

Those words begin an original Christmas song recently recorded by New Life Church (AG) in the small community of Princeton, Minnesota. It’s a stirring holiday performance with an unmistakably evangelistic message. But what makes it even more inspiring is the unlikely artist behind it: Erik Rosenquist, 37, an autistic man who finally found his voice and ministry.

When Rosenquist started attending the church six years ago, he was keen to volunteer, but getting involved wasn’t always easy.

“He doesn’t pick up on social cues,” says Vinnie Zarletti, creative arts pastor. “He can be really loud and in your face. No one on staff had any training on working with special needs people. It was a challenge to find a place where he fits and where he feels like he’s being used.”

However, what Rosenquist lacked in social skills he made up for in enthusiasm. He quickly came to know everyone in the church of 900, remembering even the smallest details of their lives — from their prayer requests to the names of extended family members living in other states. The congregation warmed to him, eccentricities and all.

“The response to the song and to Erik’s story has been overwhelming.” — Vinnie Zarletti, creative arts pastor

“You can’t come to New Life without knowing Erik,” Zarletti says. “He’s everywhere. If you meet him one time, he will know everything about you. He’s always got an idea about something, usually a huge idea. The church is a big part of his life. Every time the doors are open, he gets a ride, and he’s there.”

A year and a half ago, Rosenquist approached Zarletti with another idea. He showed the pastor a piece of paper he had filled with words, explaining that he was working on a song. He had even composed a melody for the chorus, despite having no musical training. When Zarletti heard him sing it, he was stunned.

“I pulled out my phone and had him sing it again,” says Zarletti, who teaches music at North Central University in Minneapolis. “I was blown away. I asked permission to modify the verses and work on the melody for the verses to go with what he had come up with for the chorus.

Rosenquist, Zarletti and another musician debuted the song, “Baby in a Manger,” last year for the church’s annual Christmas concert, along with a video testimony explaining how it came about.

“The congregation just erupted,” Zarletti says. “Everyone loved it!”

New Life Church included the song on its recent Christmas album. The church also created a video, featuring Zarletti on the piano and lead vocals, and Rosenquist singing along and performing a brief solo. The video begins with Zarletti introducing Rosenquist and asking him where he got the idea for the song.

“Nobody listens to nativity songs anymore,” Rosenquist responds. “I mean, basically, you hear commercial songs, like reindeer and snowmen. And my question is: What happened to a story of baby Jesus in a manger, as instructed in the Book of Luke?”

Another local church plans to feature the video at their Christmas Eve service. Rosenquist also recently performed the song for a special needs ministry.

“The response to the song and to Erik’s story has been overwhelming,” Zarletti says. “I’ve been writing music for a long time, but this song is like nothing I’ve ever been a part of. It’s a great reminder that God gives gifts to everyone and wants to use every member of His Church. It might be an extra challenge to work with Erik or people like Erik, but the challenge is worth taking on.”

Watch the video below. “Baby in a Manger” is also available on Spotify and iTunes.  

Baby In A Manger from New Life Church MN on Vimeo.