the joy of Christmas

[Alan Burns]

A glimpse of Christmas joy from Times square

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

[Steve H]

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?

[Steve H]

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.

[Steve H]

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

[Steve H]

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.

[Steve H]

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)

[Sassy]

I was moving home on the 24th December.
My sister niece and two friends helping.  James was particularly good at getting things packed
This was a lovely surprise. Next Christmas Eve hope to be with family dining out in the afternoon.
isn't it lovely the sights everywhere at Christmas.  Thank you to all who posted. Lifted my Spirit.