the joy of Christmas

[Alan Burns]

A glimpse of Christmas joy from Times square

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOg6pQjhvrI

[SteveH]

This lovely performance of my favourite modern carol, by the late Sydney Carter (whom I once met and chatted to without knowing who he was), always gets me dewy-eyed or worse.
https://youtu.be/ElHOnnadLn8?si=DcC1XNp-sdH3n0Ix
And another, by the same kids, singing one of my favourite traditional carols:
https://youtu.be/0cqyz1xqHfk?si=rPzCfTHeyJQCG814

Might I suggest that, just for once and just for this thread, the usual sarcastic comments be withheld?

[SteveH]

Rather glorious:
https://youtu.be/SXh7JR9oKVE?si=Pxc6g1x9VM4EpYo_
"I did think I did see heaven before me, and the great God himself", as GFH is supposed to have said to his servant after completing it.

[SteveH]

https://youtu.be/pRhjWdr-LAA?si=SxRi0l8BriY8X91U

[Alan Burns]

An amazing duet with a truly heartfelt Christmas message

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-In6ZXYR1A

[SteveH]

From the Second Shepherd's Pageant, a late-medieval miracle play.. The third shepherd is presenting his gift;

Hail darling dear, full of Godhead!
I pray thee be near when that I have need.
Hail, sweet is thy cheer! My heart would bleed
To see thee sit here in so poor weed [clothing]
With no pennies.

Hail! Put forth thy dall [hand]
I bring thee but a ball:
Have and take thee withal,
And go to the tennis.

[SteveH]

CALYPSO CAROL

1 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.

   O now carry me to Bethlehem
   to see the Lord of love again:
   just as poor as was the stable then,
   the prince of glory when he came.

2 Star of silver, sweep across the skies,
show where Jesus in the manger lies;
shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise
to see the saviour of the world!
   O now carry me...

3 Angels, sing again the song you sang,
sing the glory of God's gracious plan;
Sing that Bethl'em's little baby can
be the saviour of us all.
   O now carry me...

4 Mine are riches, from your poverty,
from your innocence, eternity;
mine, forgiveness by your death for me,
child of sorrow for my joy.
   O now carry me...

Michael Perry (1942 - 1996)