Chris Chitsey and Bee Smith bring a heartfelt message of faith, hope, and trust in God to their new Country Christian Christmas single, “Be Mary.” Following the international success of their previous duet, “Summer Before The Fall,” the two artists reunite for a song that looks beyond the usual celebrations of Christmas to explore the deeper meaning of the season.
Written by Thornton Cline and Sami Jo Furniss, “Be Mary” draws inspiration from the biblical story of Mary and her willingness to trust God despite the uncertainty surrounding her circumstances. The song encourages listeners to hold on to their faith when life becomes difficult and to remain open to hope, even when the future does not unfold as expected.
What makes “Be Mary” particularly meaningful is its recognition that Christmas is not always an easy time for everyone. While the season often brings images of happiness, family gatherings, and celebration, some people face loneliness, grief, fear, and emotional struggles. The song speaks to those experiences, offering reassurance that difficult circumstances do not have to take away a person’s sense of purpose or hope.
Its central message encourages listeners to follow Mary’s example when they feel weighed down by life’s challenges. Rather than presenting faith as something that removes every difficulty, “Be Mary” focuses on trusting God through uncertainty and finding the strength to keep moving forward. This gives the song an emotional connection that extends beyond the holiday season.
Chitsey and Smith also bring a personal understanding of the song’s message. Chitsey explains that the pair wanted their next collaboration to mean more than charts and awards, particularly after the success they shared with “Summer Before The Fall.” For him, “Be Mary” is a reminder that hope remains possible even when people cannot make sense of what they are going through. Smith similarly highlights Mary’s courage, humility, and trust in God, noting that the Christmas story carries a message that remains relevant today.
Musically, the release stays firmly within Country Christian territory, allowing its faith-centred message to take the spotlight. The collaboration also demonstrates a different side of the partnership between the U.S. and U.K. artists, moving from the commercial success of their previous duet towards a song with a more spiritual and reflective purpose.
Their previous collaboration, “Summer Before The Fall,” reached number one on both the World Indie Music Top 100 Chart and the European Indie Music Chart. It also won the 2026 World Songwriting Award for Best Music Collaboration, while Chitsey and Smith received the Vocal Event of the Year award at the 12th Annual Josie Music Awards.
Both artists bring considerable experience to the release. Chitsey, a Nashville veteran, has achieved worldwide number-one singles across four decades, while Smith, a British-born Country artist and songwriter, was named the 2025 ISSA International Female Songwriter of the Year. Their achievements provide an impressive backdrop to a collaboration that places faith and encouragement ahead of commercial recognition.
Released through Clinetel Nashville Records, with worldwide distribution through SONY/The Orchard, “Be Mary” offers a thoughtful addition to the Christmas music catalogue. Its message is simple but important: even when life feels uncertain, faith can provide comfort, and hope can still be found in the most difficult moments.
For listeners looking for a Christmas song with a clear Christian message and a reminder of the meaning behind the season, Chris Chitsey and Bee Smith deliver a sincere and timely offering with “Be Mary.”
