by Helen Mitchell  

7 to 11yrs  -  KS2  -  optional harmony  -  (2m 15s)

Download contains:  Piano-vocal score, lyric sheet, mp3 demo & backing tracks

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Theme  -  Christmas, joy, excitement, birth of Jesus

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Content  -  This deliciously Christmassy ballad combines the ‘feel’ of a contemporary winter celebration with the recollection of the birth of Jesus thousands of years ago. The first verse focuses upon Christmas decorations, streets full of people doing their Christmas shopping and the sound of carols in the air, but also reminds us to think of that first Christmas in a stable far away.  The second verse reverses the thinking, beginning with the events at Bethlehem, then coming back to the present day, with Christmas trees, Christmas cake, and the conclusion that it's a time to give thanks for all God's blessings.

The lovely harmony parts and Christmassy feel make this song particularly suitable for choir use.

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Lyrics sample

Now it’s time for Christmas

Feel its magic everywhere.

As we’re hanging pretty decorations,

To the sound of carols in the air.

At this time of Christmas,

Frost is heavy on the ground

And the streets are full of busy shoppers

With their lists of presents to be found.

But think of that first Christmas

In a stable far away,

And little baby Jesus

Placed in a manger full of hay. 

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This song is also featured in the songbook 'Here Comes Christmas'