1

TheThetisIsland

Christmasand

HolidaySongbook

Not for sale nor distribution; please return to the Community Centre.

2

Angels from the realms of glory ................................ 3Angels We Have Heard On High ................................ 3Auld Lang Syne .......................................................... 3Away in a Manger ..................................................... 4Blue Christmas .......................................................... 4Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella ................................ 4Calypso Carol ............................................................. 4Christmas in Killarney ................................................ 4The Christmas Song ................................................... 5Deck the Halls ............................................................ 5Ding Dong Merrily on High ........................................ 5Do You Hear What I Hear? ......................................... 6The First Noel ............................................................ 6Frosty The Snow Man ................................................ 6Go Tell It On The Mountain ....................................... 7God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen .................................. 7Good Christian Men Rejoice ...................................... 8Good King Wenceslas ................................................ 8Hark the Herald Angels Sing ...................................... 8Have a Merry Little Christmas ................................... 9Here Comes Santa Claus ............................................ 9Here We Come A-Caroling ........................................ 10The Holly and the Ivy ................................................ 10The Huron Carol ....................................................... 10I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day .......................... 10I Wonder as I Wander ............................................... 11I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing ........................... 11I’ll Be Home for Christmas ........................................ 11I Saw Three Ships ..................................................... 12It Came Upon A Midnight Clear ............................... 12It’s Beginning to Look Like Christmas ....................... 12Jingle Bell Rock ......................................................... 13Jingle Bells ................................................................ 13Joy to the World ....................................................... 14Let It Snow ............................................................... 14Little Drummer Boy .................................................. 14A Marshmallow World ............................................. 14Mary’s Boy Child ....................................................... 15O Christmas Tree ...................................................... 15O Come O Come Emmanuel ..................................... 16Oh Holy Night ........................................................... 16Oh Come All Ye Faithful ............................................ 16O Little Town of Bethlehem ...................................... 17Once in Royal David’s city ......................................... 17Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree .......................... 18Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer .......................... 18Santa Claus is Coming to Town ................................. 18Silent Night ............................................................... 19Sleigh Ride ................................................................ 19Sussex Carol ............................................................. 19Silver Bells ................................................................ 19Toyland ..................................................................... 20The Twelve Days of Christmas .................................. 20We need a little Christmas ....................................... 21We Three Kings of Orient Are ................................... 21We Wish You a Merry Christmas .............................. 22What Child is This? ................................................... 22While Shepherds Watched ....................................... 22

TA

BL

E O

F C

ON

TE

NT

S

3

Angels from the realms of glory Words by James Montgomery in 1816, music by Henry Smart.

Angels from the realms of glory,Wing your flight o’er all the earth;Ye who sang creation’s story,Now proclaim the Messiah’s birth:

Come and worship,Come and worship,Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Shepherds, in the fields abiding,Watching o’er your flocks by night,God with man is now residing,Yonder shines the infant Light;

Come and worship,Come and worship,Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Sages, leave your contemplations,Brighter visions beam afar;Seek the great desire of nations,Ye have seen His natal star;

Come and worship,Come and worship,Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Saints before the altar bending,Watching long in hope and fear,Suddenly the Lord, descending,In His temple shall appear:

Come and worship,Come and worship,Worship Christ, the newborn King!

Angels We Have Heard On HighWords by Bishop James Chadwick, 19th century, music from an 18th century French carol.

Angels we have heard on highSweetly singing o’er the plains,And the mountains in replyEchoing their joyous strains.

CHORUS:Gloria, in excelsis Deo!Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Auld Lang SyneWords by Robert Burns, music traditional.

Should auld acquaintance be forgotAnd never brought to mind?Should auld acquaintance be forgotAnd days of Auld Lang Syne?For Auld Lang Syne, my dear,For Auld Lang Syne;We’ll take a cup of kindness yetFor Auld Lang Syne.

And here’s a hand, my trusty friend,And gives a hand o’ thine;We’ll take a cup of kindness yetFor Auld Lang Syne.For Auld Lang Syne, my dear,For Auld Lang Syne;We’ll take a cup of kindness yetFor Auld Lang Syne.

Shepherds, why this jubilee?Why your joyous strains prolong?What the gladsome tidings beWhich inspire your heav’nly song?

CHORUS

Come to Bethlehem and seeHim Whose birth the angels sing;Come, adore on bended knee,Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

CHORUS

4

Away in a Manger First published in 1885, author unknown. Music by William J. Kirkpatrick in 1895.

Away in a manger, No crib for His bedThe little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet headThe stars in the bright sky looked down where He layThe little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby wakesBut little Lord Jesus no crying He makes.I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the skyAnd stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stayClose by me forever and love me I pray.Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,And take us to heaven to live with Thee there.

Blue ChristmasWords and music by Billy Hayes and Jay Johnson.

I’ll have a blue Christmas without you;I’ll be so blue thinking about you.Decorations of red on a green Christmas treeWon’t mean a thing if you’re not here with me.I’ll have a blue Christmas, that’s certain;And when that blue heartache starts hurtin’,You’ll be doin’ all right with your Christmas of white,But I’ll have a blue, blue Christmas.

Bring a Torch, Jeanette, IsabellaTraditional Provencal Carol from the 17th century.

Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella,Bring a torch, come swiftly and run.Christ is born, tell the folk of the village;Jesus is sleeping in his cradle.Ah, ah, beautiful is the Mother;Ah, ah, beautiful is her Son.

Hasten now, good folk of the village,Hasten now, the Christ-Child to see.

Calypso CarolWords and music by Michael Perry, 1964.

See Him lying on a bed of straw;A draughty stable with an open door;Mary cradling the babe she bore –The Prince of glory is His name.

CHORUS:O now carry me to BethlehemTo see the Lord appear to men – Just as poor as was the stable then,The Prince of glory when He came.

Star of silver, sweep across the skies,Show where Jesus in the manger lies;Shepherds, swiftly from your stupor riseTo see the Saviour of the world!

CHORUS

Mine are riches from your povertyFrom your innocence, eternity,Mine, forgiveness by your death for me,Child of sorrow, for my joy.

CHORUS

Angels, sing the song that you began,Bring God’s glory to the heart of man;Sing that Bethl’em’s little baby canBe salvation to the soul.

CHORUS

Christmas in KillarneyWords and music by John Redmond, James Cavanaugh and Frank Weldon.

The holly green, the ivy green,The prettiest picture you’ve ever seenIs Christmas in KillarneyWith all of the folks at home.It’s nice, you know, to kiss your beau

You will find him asleep in the manger,Quietly come and whisper softly,Hush, hush, peacefully now He slumbers;Hush, hush, peacefully now He sleeps.

5

The Christmas SongLyrics and Music by Mel Tormé and Robert Wells

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,Jack Frost nipping at your nose,Yuletide carols being sung by a choirAnd folks dressed up like Eskimos.Ev’rybody knows a turkey and some mistletoeHelp to make the season bright.Tiny tots with their eyes all aglowWill find it hard to sleep tonight.They know Santa’s on his way;He’s loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.And ev’ry mother’s child is gonna spyTo see if reindeer really know how to fly.And so I’m offering this simple phraseTo kids from one to ninety-two;Although it’s been said many times, many ways,“Merry Christmas to you.”

Deck the Halls The first publication date of Deck the Halls is 1881. The author is unknown but the words are said to originate in America, and the music is believed to Welsh in origin dating back to the sixteenth century.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Tis the season to be jolly,

Ding Dong Merrily on High The music first appeared in a dance book written by Jehan Tabourot (1519–1593). The lyrics are from English composer George Ratcliffe Woodward (1848–1934), and the carol was first published in 1924 in his “Cambridge Carol-Book”.

Ding dong merrily on high, In heav’n the bells are ringing:Ding dong! verily the skyIs riv’n with angels singing.Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

E’en so here below, below,Let steeple bells be swungen,And “Io, io, io!”By priest and people sungen.Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

Pray you, dutifully primeYour matin chime, ye ringers;May you beautifully rimeYour evetime song, ye singers.Gloria, Hosanna in excelsis!

While cuddling under the mistletoe,And Santa Claus you know, of course,Is one of the boys from home.The door is always open;The neighbours pay a call;And Father John before he’s goneWill bless the house and all.How grand it feels to click your heelsAnd join in the fun of the jigs and reels,I’m handing you no blarney,The likes you’ve never knownIs Christmas in KillarneyWith all of the folks at home.

Fa la la la la, la la la la. Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la. Troll the ancient Yule tide carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Strike the harp and join the chorus. Fa la la la la, la la la la. Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la, la la la la. While I tell of Yule tide treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Sing we joyous, all together, Fa la la la la, la la la la. Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

6

Do You Hear What I Hear?Lyrics by Noël Regney and music by Gloria Shayne Baker, 1962.

Said the night wind to the little lamb,Do you see what I see?Way up in the sky little lamb,Do you see what I see?A star, a star,Dancing in the night,With a tail as big as a kite,With a tail as big as a kite.

Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy,Do you hear what I hear?Ringing through the sky shepherd boy,Do you hear what I hear?A song, a song,High above the tree,With a voice as big as the sea,With a voice as big as the sea.

Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king,Do you know what I know?In your palace warm, mighty king,Do you know what I know?A child, a child,Shivers in the cold,Let us bring him silver and gold,Let us bring him silver and gold.

Said the king to the people everywhere,Listen to what I say:Pray for peace, people everywhere.Listen to what I say:The child, the child,Sleeping in the night,He will bring us goodness and light,He will bring us goodness and light.

The First NoelTraditional English carol, dating from at least the 16th or 17th centuries, but possibly as early as the 13th century.

The First Noel, the angels did say Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay In fields where they lay keeping their sheep

Frosty The Snow ManWords and Music by Steve Nelson and Jack Rollins

Frosty the Snow Man was a jolly happy soul,With a corncob pipe and a button nose and two eyes made out of coal.Frosty the Snow Man is a fairy tale they say;He was made of snow but the children know how he came to life one day.There must have been some magic in that old silk hat they found,For when they placed it on his head he began

On a cold winter’s night that was so deep. CHORUS:Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel Born is the King of Israel!

They looked up and saw a star Shining in the East beyond them far And to the earth it gave great light And so it continued both day and night.

CHORUS

And by the light of that same star Three Wise men came from country far To seek for a King was their intent And to follow the star wherever it went.

CHORUS

This star drew nigh to the northwest O’er Bethlehem it took its rest And there it did both stop and stay Right o’er the place where Jesus lay.

CHORUS

Then entered in those wise men three Full rev’rently upon their knee And offered there in His presence Their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

CHORUS

Then let us all with one accord Sing praises to our heavenly Lord That hath made heaven and earth of nought And with his blood mankind has bought.

CHORUS

7

Go Tell It On The MountainAfrican-American spiritual, by John Wesley Work, Jr., 1865

When I was a sinner,I prayed both night and day;I asked the Lord to aid me,And he showed me the way:

CHORUS:Go tell it on the mountain,Over the hills and ev’rywhere;Go tell it on the mountain,That Jesus Christ is born.

When I was a seeker,I sought both night and day,I asked the Lord to help me,

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen Traditional English, believed to be one of the oldest extant English carols, from the 16th century.

God rest ye merry, gentlemen; let nothing you dismay.Remember Christ our Saviour was born on Christmas day,To save us all from Satan’s pow’r when we were gone astray.

CHORUS:O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!O tidings of comfort and joy!

In Bethlehem, in Israel, this blessed Babe was born,And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn;The which His Mother Mary did nothing take in scorn.

CHORUS

From God our heav’nly Father, a blessed angel came;And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same:How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name.

CHORUS

Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place,And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;This holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface.

CHORUS

to dance around.Frosty the Snow Man was alive as he could beAnd the children say he could laugh and play just the same as you and me.

Frosty the Snow Man knew the sun was hot that day,So he said, “Let’s run and we’ll have some fun now before I melt away”Down to the village with a broomstick in his hand,Running here and there all around the square sayin’, “Catch me if you can.”He led them down the streets of town right to the traffic cop,And he only paused a moment when he heard him holler “Stop!”For Frosty the Snow Man had to hurry on his way,But he waved goodbye saying, “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again some day”

Thumpity thump thump, thumpity thump thump,Look at Frosty go;Thumpity thump thump, thumpity thump thump,Over the hills of snow.

And he taught me how to pray.CHORUS

Down in a lowly mangerThe humble Christ was born;And God sent out salvationThat blessed Christmas morn.

CHORUS

8

Good Christian Men Rejoice Originally a very old Latin Christmas carol, called In Dulci Jubilo, composer unknown. John Mason Neale translated the words around the middle of the 1800s.

Good Christian men rejoiceWith heart and soul and voice.Give ye heed to what we sayNews! News!Jesus Christ is born today!Ox and ass before Him bowAnd He is in the manger now.Christ is born today!Christ is born today!

Good Christian men, rejoiceWith heart and soul and voice.Now ye hear of endless bliss:Joy! Joy!Jesus Christ was born for this.He hath ope’d the heav’nly door,And man is blessed evermore.Christ was born for this;Christ was born for this.

Good Christian men, rejoiceWith heart and soul and voice.Now ye need not fear the grave:Peace! Peace!Jesus Christ was born to save.Calls you one and calls you allTo gain His everlasting hall.Christ was born to save;Christ was born to save.

Hark the Herald Angels Sing Words by Charles Wesley in 1739, music by Felix Mendelssohn in 1840, adapted by William H. Cummings.

Hark! the herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!Peace on earth and mercy mild,

Good King Wenceslas This song was written by John Mason Neale, published in 1853; the music originated in Finland 300 years earlier. Wenceslas was the king of Bohemia in the 10th century. He was martyred following his assassination by his brother, his Saint’s Day is September 28th, and he is the Patron Saint of the Czech Republic. St. Stephen’s Day was celebrated on December 26th.

Good King Wenceslas looked outOn the feast of Stephen,When the snow lay round aboutDeep and crisp and even.Brightly shone the moon that night

Though the frost was cruel,When a poor man came in sight,Gath’ring winter fuel.

“Hither, page, and stand by me,If thou know’st it, telling:Yonder peasant, who is he?Where and what his dwelling?”“Sire, he lives a good league hence,Underneath the mountain,Right against the forest fenceBy Saint Agnes’ fountain.”

“Bring me flesh and bring me wine,Bring me pine logs hither.Thou and I will see him dine,When we bear him thither.”Page and monarch forth they went,Forth they went together,Through the rude wind’s wild lamentAnd the bitter weather.

“Sire, the night is darker now,And the wind blows stronger.Fails my heart, I know not how,I can go no longer.”“Mark my footsteps, my good page,Tread thou in them boldly.Thou shalt find the winter’s rage,Freeze thy blood less coldly.”

In his master’s steps he trodWhere the snow lay dinted;Heat was in the very sodWhich the Saint had printed.Therefore, Christian men, be sure,Wealth or rank possessing,Ye who now will bless the poorShall yourselves find blessing.

9

Have a Merry Little ChristmasWords and music by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane

Have yourself a merry little Christmas;Let your heart be light.From now on, our troubles will be out of sight.Have yourself a merry little Christmas;Make the Yuletide gay.From now one our troubles will be miles away.Here we are as in olden days, happy golden days of yore;Faithful friends who are dear to us gather near to us once more.Through the years we all will be togetherIf the fates allow.Hang a shining star upon the highest bough,And have yourself a merry little Christmas now.

God and sinners reconciled.”Joyful, all ye nations rise,Join the triumph of the skies;With the angelic host proclaim,“Christ is born in Bethlehem!”

CHORUS:Hark! The herald angels sing,“Glory to the newborn King!”

Christ by highest heav’n adored,Christ the everlasting Lord!Late in time behold Him come,Offspring of a Virgin’s womb.Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,Hail the incarnate Deity.Pleased as man with man to dwell,Jesus, our Emmanuel!

CHORUS

Hail the heav’n-born Prince of Peace!Hail the Son of Righteousness!Light and life to all He brings,Ris’n with healing in His wings.Mild He lays His glory by,Born that man no more may die.Born to raise the sons of earth,Born to give them second birth.

CHORUS

Here Comes Santa ClausWords and music by Gene Autry and Oakley Haldeman.

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane.Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer Are pulling on the rein.Bells are ringing, children singing,All is merry and bright.Hang your stockings and say your prayers‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane.He’s got a bag that’s filled with toysFor the girls and boys again.Hear those sleigh bells jingle jangle, Oh what a beautiful sight.So jump in bed and cover your head,‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane.He doesn’t care if you’re rich or poor For he loves you just the same.Santa Claus knows we’re all Gods children;That makes everything right.So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer,‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

Here comes Santa Claus, Here comes Santa Claus, Right down Santa Claus Lane.He’ll come around when the chimes ring out That it’s Christmas morn again.Peace on earth will come to allIf we just follow the light.So let’s give thanks to the lord above‘Cause Santa Claus comes tonight!

10

Here We Come A-CarolingTraditional, probably composed c. 1850

Here we come a-caroling among the leaves so green;Here we come a-wand’ring so fair to be seen.Love and joy come to youAnd to you glad Christmas too,And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,And God send you a Happy New Year.

We are not daily beggars that beg from door to door,But we are neighbours’ children whom you have seen before.Love and joy come to youAnd to you glad Christmas too,And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,And God send you a Happy New Year.

God bless the master of this house, likewise the mistress too,And all the little children that round the table go.Love and joy come to youAnd to you glad Christmas too,And God bless you and send you a Happy New Year,And God send you a Happy New Year.

The Holly and the Ivy Traditional, first published early 19th century, origin possibly much earlier.

The holly and the ivy,When they are both full grown,Of all the trees that are in the wood,The holly bears the crown.

CHORUS:O the rising of the sun,And the running of the deer,The playing of the merry organ,Sweet singing in the choir.

The holly bears a blossomAs white as lily flow’rAnd Mary bore sweet Jesus ChristTo be our sweet Saviour.

CHORUS

The Huron CarolEnglish words by J. E. Middleton; original Huron words by Father Jean de Brébeuf. Music Traditional.

‘Twas in the moon of wintertime When all the birds had fledThat mighty Gitchi Manitou Sent angel choirs instead.Before their light the stars grew dim, And wond’ring hunters heard the hymn:

CHORUS:Jesus, your King, is born;Jesus is born! In excelsis gloria!

Within a lodge of broken bark The tender Babe was found;A ragged robe of rabbit skin Enwrapped His beauty round.And as the hunter braves drew nighThe angel song rang loud and high:

CHORUS

The earliest moon of wintertime Is not so round and fairAs was the ring of glory On the helpless infant there.The chiefs from far before him knelt With gifts of fox and beaver pelt.

CHORUS

O children of the forest freeO sons of Manitou,The Holy Child of earth and heav’n Is born today for you.Come kneel before the radiant Boy Who brings you beauty, peace and joy:

CHORUS

I Heard the Bells on Christmas DayWords by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, adapted by Johnny Marks; Music by Johnny Marks.

I heard the bells on Christmas DayTheir old familiar carols play,And wild and sweet their words repeatOf peace on earth, goodwill to men.

11

I Wonder as I WanderWords and music by John Jacob Niles

I wonder as I wander out under the skyHow Jesus the Saviour did come for to die,For poor on’ry people like you and like I;I wonder as I wander out under the sky.

When Mary birthed Jesus, ‘twas in a cow’s stall,With wise men and farmers and shepherds and all.But high from God’s heaven, a star’s light did fall,And the promise of ages it then did recall.

If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing,A star in the sky or a bird on the wing,Or all of God’s angels in heav’n for to sing,He surely could have it, ‘cause He was the King.

I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing A pop song that originated as the jingle “Buy the World a Coke”in 1971, produced by Billy Davis. The popularity of the jingle led to it being re-recorded by The New Seekers and by The Hillside Singers as a full-length song, dropping references to Coca-Cola.

I’d like to build the world a home and furnish it with love. Grow apple trees and honey bees and snow-white turtle doves.

I thought as now this day had come,The belfires of all ChristendomHad rung so long the unbroken songOf peace on earth, goodwill to men.

And in despair I bowed my head;“There is no peace on earth,” I said,“For hate is strong and mocks the songOf peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;The wrong shall fail, the right prevailWith peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

CHORUS:That’s the song I hear,Let the world sing today,A song of peace that echoes on,And never goes away.

I’d like to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. I’d like to hold it in my arms, and keep it company.

I’d like to see the world for once all standing hand in hand, And hear them echo through the hills for peace throughout the land.

I’ll Be Home for ChristmasWords by Kim Gannon, Music by Walter Kent

I’ll be home for Christmas;You can plan on me.Please have snow and mistletoeAnd presents on the tree.Christmas Eve will find meWhere the love-light gleams.I’ll be home for ChristmasIf only in my dreams.

12

I Saw Three ShipsTraditional English, first known publication in 17th century.

I saw three ships come sailing inOn Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;I saw three ships come sailing inOn Christmas Day in the morning.

And what was in those ships all three,On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day?And what was in those ships all three,On Christmas Day in the morning?

The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;The Virgin Mary and Christ were there,On Christmas Day in the morning.

Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;Pray, wither sailed those ships all three,On Christmas Day in the morning?

O they sailed into Bethlehem,On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;O they sailed into Bethlehem,On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the bells on earth shall ring,On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;And all the bells on earth shall ring,On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;And all the Angels in Heaven shall sing,On Christmas Day in the morning.

And all the souls on earth shall sing,On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;And all the souls on earth shall sing,On Christmas Day in the morning.

Then let us all rejoice amain,On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day;Then let us all rejoice amain,On Christmas Day in the morning.

It Came Upon A Midnight Clear Word by Edmund Hamilton Sears in 1849, the music by American musician Richard Storrs Willis in 1859.

It came upon the midnight clear,That glorious song of old,From angels bending near the earth,To touch their harps of gold:“Peace on the earth, goodwill to menFrom heav’n’s all-gracious King!”The world in solemn stillness layTo hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come,With peaceful wings unfurled;And still their heav’nly music floatsO’er all the weary world:Above its sad and lowly plainsThey bend on hov’ring wing,And ever o’er its Babel soundsThe blessed angels sing.

O ye beneath life’s crushing load,Whose forms are bending low,Who toil along the climbing wayWith painful steps and slow;Look now, for glad and golden hoursCome swiftly on the wing;Oh rest beside the weary roadAnd hear the angels sing.

For lo! the days are hastening on,By prophets seen of old,When with the ever-circling yearsShall come the time foretold,When the new heav’n and earth shall ownThe Prince of Peace, their King,And the whole world send back the songWhich now the angels sing.

It’s Beginning to Look Like ChristmasWords and music by Meredith Willson.

It’s beginning to look a lot like ChristmasEv’rywhere you go;Take a look in the five and ten, Glistening once again

13

With candy canes and silver lanes aglow.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,Toys in every store;But the prettiest sight to see Is the holly that will beOn your own front door.

A pair of hop-along boots and a pistol that shootsIs the wish of Barney and Ben;Dolls that will talk and will go for a walkIs the hope of Janice and Jen;And mom and dad can hardly wait For school to start again.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,Ev’rywhere you go;There’s a tree in the Grand Hotel, One in the park as wellThe sturdy kind that doesn’t mind the snow.

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas,Soon the bells will start;And the thing that will make them ring Is the carol that you sing,Right within your heart.

Jingle Bell RockWords and Music by Joe Beal and Jim Boothe

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock,Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring.Snowin’ and blowin’ up bushels of fun,Now the jingle hop has begun.

Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock,Jingle bells chime in jingle bell time.Dancin’ and prancin’ in Jingle Bell SquareIn the frosty air.

What a bright time; it’s the right timeTo rock the night away.Jingle-bell time is a swell timeTo go glidin’ in a one-horse sleigh.

Giddy-yap jingle horse; pick up your feet;Jingle around the clock.

Mix and mingle in a jinglin’ beat;That’s the jingle-bell rock.

Jingle Bells Words and music by James Lord Pierpont in 1857.

Dashing through the snow, In a one horse open sleigh O’er the fields we go, Laughing all the way Bells on bob tails ring, Making spirits bright What fun it is to laugh and sing A sleighing song tonight.

CHORUS:Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way; Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh, Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way; Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh!

A day or two ago I thought I’d take a ride, And soon Miss Fanny Bright Was seated by my side The horse was lean and lank, Misfortune seemed his lot We got into a drifted bank And then we got upsot!

CHORUS

14

Joy to the World Words by Isaac Watts, composer uncertain, usually attributed to George Frideric Handel.

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n and nature sing, And heav’n, and heav’n, and nature sing.

Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns! Let men their songs employ; While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat the sounding joy, Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace, And makes the nations prove The glories of His righteousness, And wonders of His love, And wonders of His love, And wonders, wonders, of His love.

Let It Snow Words by Sammy Cahn, Music by Jule Styne

Oh the weather outside is frightful, But the fire is so delightful, And since we’ve got no place to go, Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

It doesn’t show signs of stopping, And I’ve brought some corn for popping. The lights are turned way down low; Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

When we finally kiss goodnight, How I’ll hate going out in the storm, But if you’ll really hold me tight,

Little Drummer Boy Words and music by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941.

Come, they told me, pa rum pum pum pum; A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum; Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum; To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum; So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum; I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum; I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum; That’s fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum; Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum, On my drum?

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum; The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum; I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum; I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum; Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum, Me and my drum.

A Marshmallow WorldWords by Carl Sigman, music by Peter De Rose.

It’s a marshmallow world in the winterWhen the snow comes to cover the ground.It’s the time for play; It’s a whipped-cream day;I wait for it the whole year round.

Those are marshmallow clouds being friendlyIn the arms of the evergreen trees,

All the way home I’ll be warm.

The fire is slowly dying, And my dear we’re still good-bye-ing, But as long as you love me so,Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!

15

Mary’s Boy ChildWords and music by Jester Hairston.

Long time ago in Bethlehem,So the Holy Bible say,Mary’s boy child, Jesus Christ,Was born on Christmas Day.

CHORUS:Hark, now hear the angels sing,New King’s born today,And man will live forevermore,Because of Christmas Day.Trumpet sound and angels sing, Listen to what they say,That man will live forevermore, Because of Christmas Day.

While shepherds watched their flocks by night, They saw a bright new shining star,And heard a choir from heaven sing, The music came from afar,

CHORUS Now Joseph and his wife MaryCome to Bethlehem that night,They found no place to bear her Child,Not a single room was in sight.

CHORUS By and by, they found a little nook,In a stable all forlorn,

And in a manger cold and dark,Mary’s little Boy Child was born!

CHORUS

O Christmas Tree O Christmas Tree is a traditional German Carol. The authors of the lyrics and music are unknown.

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy leaves are so unchanging;O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy leaves are so unchanging;Not only green when summer’s here,But also when ‘tis cold and drear.O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!Thy leaves are so unchanging!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!You fill all hearts with gaiety;O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!You fill all hearts with gaiety! On Christmas Day, you stand so tall,Affording joy to one and all;O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!You fill all hearts with gaiety!

And the sun is red like a pumpkin head;It’s shining so your nose won’t freeze.

The world is your snowball; see how it grows;That’s how it goes whenever it snows.The world is your snowball just for a song;Get out and roll it along.

It’s a yum-yummy world made for sweethearts;Take a walk with your favourite girl.It’s a sugar date; what if spring is late;In winter, it’s a marshmallow world.

16

Oh Come All Ye FaithfulOriginally written in Latin as Adeste Fideles and attributed to various authors and composers from the 17th and 18th centuries, the English translation was by the English Catholic priest Frederick Oakeley, written in 1841.

O Come All Ye Faithful Joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold Him, Born the King of Angels;

CHORUS:O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above. Glory to God, in the Highest;

CHORUS

Yea Lord, we greet Thee,

O Come O Come Emmanuel Traditional carol originally written in Latin text in the 12th Century, and was translated into English by John Mason Neale in 1851. The composer is unknown.

O come, O come, EmmanuelAnd ransom captive IsraelThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appearRejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Wisdom from on highAnd order all things far and nighTo us the path of knowledge showAnd cause us in her ways to go.Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Desire of Nations; bindAll peoples in one heart and mindBid envy, strife and quarrels ceaseFill the whole world with heaven’s peace.Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheerOur spirits by thine advent hereDisperse the gloomy clouds of nightAnd death’s dark shadows put to flight.Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

Oh Holy NightWords by Placide Cappeau (1808–1877), music by Adolphe Adam in 1847.

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining, It is the night of the dear Saviour’s birth. Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn. Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born; O night divine! O night, O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand. O’er the world a star is sweetly gleaming, There come the wise men from out of the Orient land. The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger; In all our trials born to be our friend. He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger, Behold your King! Before him lowly bend! Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another, His law is love and His gospel is peace. Chains shall he break, for the slave is our brother, And in his name all oppression shall cease. Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name. Christ is the Lord! O praise His name forever, His power and glory ever more proclaim! His power and glory ever more proclaim!

17

O Little Town of Bethlehem Words by Rector Phillips in 1868, composer was his church organist Lewis, for the Sunday school children’s choir.

O little town of Bethlehem,How still we see thee lie;Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,The silent stars go by.Yet in thy dark streets shinethThe everlasting Light;The hopes and fears of all the yearsAre met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary,And gathered all above,While mortals sleep, the angels keepTheir watch of wond’ring love.O morning stars togetherProclaim the holy birth,And praises sing to God the KingAnd Peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silentlyThe wondrous gift is given!So God imparts to human heartsThe blessings of His heaven.No ear may hear His coming,But in this world of sin,Where meek souls will receive him still,The dear Christ enters in.

O holy Child of Bethlehem,Descend to us, we pray;Cast out our sin and enter in,

Born this happy morning, Jesus, to thee be glory given. Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;

CHORUS

Adeste fideles, Laeti triumphantes, Venite, venite in Bethlehem. Natum videte, Regem angelorum. Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus, Dominum.

Be born to us today.We hear the Christmas angelsThe great glad tidings tell;O come to us, abide with us,Our Lord Emmanuel.

Once in Royal David’s city Words by Mrs. C.F. Alexander, music by H. J. Gauntlett. This carol is believed to have first been published in the early nineteenth century.

Once in royal David’s city,Stood a lowly cattle shed,Where a mother laid her BabyIn a manger for His bed:Mary was that mother mild,Jesus Christ her little Child.

He came down to earth from heaven,Who is God and Lord of all,And His shelter was a stable,And His cradle was a stall.With the poor and mean and lowlyLived on earth our Saviour holy.

And our eyes at last shall see Him,Through His own redeeming love;For that Child so dear and gentleIs our Lord in heaven above.And He leads His children onTo the place where He is gone.

18

Rockin’ Around the Christmas TreeWords and music by Johnny Marks.

Rockin’ around the Christmas treeAt the Christmas party hop.Mistletoe hung where you can seeEv’ry couple tries to stop.Rockin’ around the Christmas treeLet the Christmas spirit ring.Later we’ll have some pumpkin pie,And we’ll do some caroling.You will get a sentimental feelingWhen you hear voices singing,“Let’s be jolly;Deck the halls with boughs of holly.”Rockin’ around the Christmas treeHave a happy holiday.Ev’ryone dancing merrilyIn the new old-fashioned way.

Rudolph, The Red Nosed ReindeerWords and music by Johnny Marks.

(You know Dasher, and Dancer, and Prancer, and Vixen,Comet, and Cupid, and Donner and Blitzen,But do you recallThe most famous reindeer of all?)

Rudolph, the red-nosed reindeerhad a very shiny nose,and if you ever saw ityou would even say it glows.

All of the other reindeerUsed to laugh and call him names;They never let poor RudolphJoin in any reindeer games.

Then one foggy Christmas eveSanta came to say:“Rudolph with your nose so bright,won’t you guide my sleigh tonight?”

Then how the reindeer loved himas they shouted out with glee,“Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer,you’ll go down in history!”

Santa Claus is Coming to TownWords and music by J. Fred Coots and Haven Gillespie

You better watch out, you better not cry,Better not pout, I’m telling you why -Santa Claus is coming to town.

He’s making a list, and checking it twice,Gonna find out who’s naughty and nice -Santa Claus is coming to town.

He sees you when you’re sleeping,He knows when you’re awake,He knows if you’ve been bad or good,So be good for goodness sake!

Oh! You better watch out, you better not cry,Better not pout, I’m telling you why -Santa Claus is coming to town,Santa Claus is coming to town!

Silent Night Words by Joseph Mohr, music by Franz Xavier Gruber, 1818.

Silent night, holy night,All is calm, all is bright,Round yon Virgin Mother and Child,Holy Infant so tender and mild,Sleep in heavenly peace,Sleep in heavenly peace.

Silent night, holy night,Shepherds quake at the sight,Glories stream from heaven afar,Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia;Christ, the Saviour is born,Christ, the Saviour is born.

Silent night, holy night,Son of God, love’s pure light,Radiant beams from Thy holy face,With the dawn of redeeming grace,Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

19

Sleigh RideWords by Mitchell Parish, music by Leroy Anderson.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling, ring-ting- tingling, too;Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.Outside, the snow is falling and friends are calling “Yoo-hoo”;Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.Giddy-yap, giddy-yap, giddy-yap, let’s go;Let’s look at the show;We’re riding in a wonderland of snow.Giddy-yap, giddy-yap, giddy-yap, it’s grand,Just holding your hand;We’re gliding along with a song of a wintery fairyland.Our cheeks are nice and rosy, and comfy cozy are we;We’re snuggled up together like two birds of a feather would be.Let’s take that road before us and sing a chorus or two;Come on, it’s lovely weather for a sleigh ride together with you.

Sussex CarolTraditional English

On Christmas night all Christians singTo hear the news the angels bringOn Christmas night all Christians singTo hear the news the angels bring

CHORUS:News of great joy news of great mirthNews of our merciful King’s birthWhen from our sin he set us freeAll for to gain our liberty?

Then why should men on earth be so sadSince our Redeemer made us gladThen why should men on earth be so sadSince our Redeemer made us glad

CHORUS

When sin departs before his graceThen life and health come in its place

When in its place, angels and men with joy may singAll for to see the new born King

CHORUS

All out of darkness we have lightWhich made the angels sing this nightGlory to God and peace to menNow and forever more, Amen.

Silver BellsWritten and composed by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, first performed in 1950.

CHORUS:Silver bells, silver bellsIt’s Christmas time in the cityRing-a-ling, Hear them ring,Soon it will be Christmas day.

City sidewalks, busy sidewalksDressed in holiday style,In the air there’s a feeling of Christmas.Children laughing,People passing,Meeting smile after smile,And on every street corner you’ll hear:

CHORUS

Strings of streetlights,Even stop lights,Blink a bright red and green,As the shoppers rush home with their treasures.Hear the snow crunch,See the kids rush,This is Santa’s big day,And above all this bustle you’ll hear:

CHORUS

20

The Twelve Days of ChristmasThe song, published in England in 1780 without music as a chant or rhyme, is thought to be French in origin. The standard tune now associated with it is derived from a 1909 arrangement of a traditional folk melody by English composer Frederic Austin.

On the 1st day of Christmas my true love sent to me: A Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 2nd day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 3rd day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Par-tridge in a Pear Tree

On the 4th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 5th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 5 Golden Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 6th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 6 Geese a Laying, 5 Golden Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Par-tridge in a Pear Tree

On the 7th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 7 Swans a Swimming, 6 Geese a Laying, 5 Golden Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 8th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 8 Maids a Milking, 7 Swans a Swimming, 6 Geese a Laying, 5 Golden Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 9th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 9 Ladies Dancing, 8 Maids a Milking, 7 Swans a Swimming, 6 Geese a Laying, 5 Golden Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 10th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 10 Lords a Leaping, 9 Ladies Dancing, 8 Maids a Milking, 7 Swans a Swimming, 6 Geese a Laying, 5 Golden Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 11th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 11 Pipers Piping, 10 Lords a Leaping, 9 Ladies Dancing, 8 Maids a Milking, 7 Swans a Swimming, 6 Geese a Laying, 5 Golden Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

On the 12th day of Christmas my true love sent to me: 12 Drummers Drumming, 11 Pipers Piping, 10 Lords a Leaping, 9 Ladies Dancing, 8 Maids a Milking, 7 Swans a Swimming, 6 Geese a Laying, 5 Golden Rings, 4 Calling Birds, 3 French Hens, 2 Turtle Doves, and a Partridge in a Pear Tree

ToylandWords by Glen MacDonough, Music by Victor Herbert.

Toyland, toyland,Dear little girl and boy land,While you dwell within itYou are ever happy there.Childhood’s joy land,Mi-istic merry toy land,Once you pass its bordersYou can ne’er return again.

When you’ve grown up my dearsAnd are as old as I,You’ll laugh and ponder on the yearsThat roll so swiftly by.Childhood’s joy land,Mi-istic merry toy land,Once you pass its bordersYou can ne’er return again.

21

We need a little ChristmasMusic and lyrics by Jerry Herman

Haul out the holly,Put up the tree before my spirit falls again,Fill up the stocking,I may be rushing things, but deck the halls again now.

For we need a little Christmas,Right this very minute,Candles in the window,Carols at the spinet.Yes, we need a little Christmas,Right this very minute,It hasn’t snowed a single flurry,But Santa, dear, we’re in a hurry.So climb down the chimney,Turn on the brightest string of light I’ve ever seen,Slice up the fruitcake,It’s time we hung some tinsel on that evergreen bough.

For I’ve grown a little leaner,Grown a little colder,Grown a little sadder,Grown a little older,And I need a little angelSitting on my shoulder,Need a little CHristmas now.For we need a little music,Need a little laughter,Need a little singing,Ringing through the rafter,And we need a little snappy“Happy ever after”,Need a little Christmas now.

We Three Kings of Orient Are Words and music by Rev. John Henry Hopkins, 1857.

We three kings of Orient are,Bearing gifts we traverse afar.Field and fountain, moor and mountain,Following yonder star.

CHORUS:O Star of wonder, star of night,Star with royal beauty bright,Westward leading, still proceeding,Guide us to thy perfect light.

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain,Gold I bring to crown Him again.King forever, ceasing never,Over us all to reign.

CHORUS

Frankincense to offer have I,Incense owns a Deity nigh.Pray’r and praising, all men raising,Worship Him, God most high.

CHORUS

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfumeBreathes of life of gathering gloom;Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,Sealed in the stone-cold tomb.

CHORUS

Glorious now behold Him arise,King and God and Sacrifice.Alleluia, Alleluia,Earth to heav’n replies.

CHORUS

22

What Child is This?Lyrics by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865, later set to the traditional English folk song music “Greensleeves”.

What child is this, who, laid to rest, On Mary’s lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet, While shepherds watch are keeping?

CHORUS:This, this is Christ the King, Whom shepherds guard and angels sing: Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The babe, the son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate, Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christians, fear, for sinners here The silent Word is pleading.

CHORUS

So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh, Come, peasant, king, to own Him. The King of kings salvation brings, Let loving hearts enthrone him.

CHORUS

We Wish You a Merry ChristmasTraditional English

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Good tidings we bring to you and your kin; Good tidings for Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding; Oh, bring us a figgy pudding and a cup of good cheer. We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some; We won’t go until we get some, so bring some out here.

We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas; We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

While Shepherds Watched Words by Nahum Tate and Nicholas Brady, 1703. Music by George Frederick Handel.

While shepherds watched Their flocks by night,All seated on the ground,The angel of the Lord came downAnd glory shone around,And glory shone around.

“Fear not,” said he,For mighty dreadHad seized their troubled minds.“Glad tidings of great joy I bringTo you and all mankind,To you and all mankind.”

“To you in David’sTown this day,Is born of David’s line,The Saviour who is Christ the Lord,And this shall be the sign,And this shall be the sign.”

“The heavenly BabeYou there shall findTo human view displayed,And meanly wrappedIn swaddling-clothesAnd in a manger laid,And in a manger laid.”

Thus spake the seraph,And forthwithAppeared a shining throngOf angels praising God, who thusAddressed their joyful song,Addressed their joyful song.

“All glory be toGod on high,And to the earth be peace;Goodwill henceforthFrom heaven to menBegin and never cease,Begin and never cease!”

23

24