Alternative carols for Christmas
Author: Nick Jowett
Nick Jowett is a former Chair of CAP (Church Action on Poverty) Sheffield and former Vicar and Methodist minister at St Andrew's Psalter Lane Church, Sheffield. Here he offers us some alternative words to well-known Christmas carols, helping us to hear the themes more clearly and afresh. |
Alternative We Three Kings
Everyone enjoys singing this carol at Epiphany. It has a popular, memorable tune, but the words in many places make absolutely no sense as a close reading of the text will reveal. So, after many years of suffering these lines, I decided to try to improve them. Here is my offering:
Magi, we from Orient are,
bearing gifts we traverse afar
field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.
Refrain
O star of wonder, star of night,
star with royal beauty bright,
westward leading, still proceeding,
guide us to God’s perfect light.
To the babe in Bethlehem town
I bring gold to make him a crown,
prophet fervent, kingly servant,
worthy of high renown.
Refrain
I have incense here to present,
for by this the godhead is meant;
child all holy, yet so lowly,
coming now heaven-sent.
Refrain
I give myrrh to one who will die,
spice too dear for others to buy;
man of sorrow, he will borrow
the tomb where he must lie.
Refrain
Glorious Sun, from death he’ll arise,
King and God and sacrifice;
heaven sings Alleluia, Alle-
-luia, the earth replies.
Refrain
Epiphany 2023
Annunciation Carol (No tune as yet)
A village on a bare hillside;
rough houses built of wood and stone:
imagine that you go inside
and see a woman all alone
What voice has spoken to this girl?
She sits quite still as in a trance.
What puts her mind into a whirl?
What messenger has held her glance?
We tell this tale from year to year,
relate how God brings hope to birth.
We sing an alleluia here,
for Christ is coming to the earth.
With stately tread along the street
see comes the one the girl must wed.
He hears her tale; how will he greet
the things the holy envoy said?
At home the carpenter’s asleep -
see, he is dreaming of a son,
and, as he lies in slumber deep,
he knows God’s purpose will be done.
We tell this tale from year to year,
relate how God brings hope to birth.
We sing an alleluia here,
for Christ is coming to the earth.
Along the hillside’s rocky streets
they celebrate their wedding joy.
Within the blissful bride there beats
another heart: her baby boy.
In Nazareth there’ll be a place
where Joseph’s child will work and sing.
He’ll learn from Mary trust and grace,
and Jesus will become our King.
We tell this tale from year to year,
relate how God brings hope to birth.
We sing an alleluia here,
for Christ is coming to the earth.
November 2021
Christmas Song (environment)
(Tune: Quem Pastores)
Jesus, source of all creation,
light for this and every nation:
for your earthly incarnation
we give thanks with joy and pride.
When God set the world in motion,
people, plants and fish in ocean,
you were there with strong devotion,
Wisdom at the Father’s side.
But when humankind was failing,
earthly mortal creatures quailing,
world polluted, damaged, wailing,
you were born as Word and Guide.
From eternity you parted;
time stood still as you departed,
came to human flesh and started
life that would be glorified.
Out from heaven you came leaping,
so the Father’s purpose keeping:
see the child in manger sleeping,
power and grandeur laid aside.
Mary was your loving mother,
Soon you’d have both sisters, brothers -
family of many others
through creation far and wide.
So you showed us mirth and sharing,
how to love and be forbearing,
walk the earth with gentle daring,
by the way you lived and died.
Lord, our world won’t last for ever.
Hold us then to our endeavour;
may we tend the earth, and never
spurn the harvests you provide.
Jesus, source of all creation,
light for this and every nation:
for your earthly incarnation
we give thanks this Christmastide.
Christmas Carol
Tune: Wengen DCM (the ‘other’ tune for ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’)
A boy was born long, long ago
in winter’s frost and cold:
Jesus, his mother’s firstborn child,
as gospel writers told.
For her the time of waiting and
the birth pangs she endured
gave way at last to tears and smiles,
old Joseph reassured.
And through the risks his mother ran,
when Jesus Christ was born,
our Father God lit up the world
with glow of radiant dawn.
So longed for in the former time
by prophet, seer and sage,
the labour pains of Mary turned
the era’s brand new page.
The child of Mary grew to man
and died upon a cross.
She who had borne him nine months long
knew grief and bitter loss.
Yet joy was born from sorrow when
he rose up from the tomb.
The travails of his friends were past
when God dispelled all gloom.
The earth which bears us moans and cries
in throes of grief and pain;
she’s deeply loved yet so misused
by all intent on gain.
The Christmas gift of Mary’s son
gives hope to every soul:
God’s children born for liberty,
Creation’s hurt made whole.
2019
Carol
Tune: Deck the hall
Beat the drum and sing the chorus. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Christmas joy is now before us. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
For our God by incarnation, Hallelu, Hallelu. Praise the Lord.
Comes to birth for every nation. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Shout hurrah and loud hosanna. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Jesus comes! Now raise the banner. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
He’s the Spirit’s wise conception. Hallelu, Hallelu. Praise the Lord.
We will give a grand reception. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Celebrate with jokes and humour. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Tell the news and spread the rumour. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
If it is God’s Word you’re seeking, Hallelu, Hallelu. Praise the Lord.
Yes, he’s here, but not yet speaking. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Skip and jump and dance with pleasure, Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Welcome here our heavenly treasure. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Baby Jesus feeds and slumbers. Hallelu, Hallelu. Praise the Lord.
He brings hope to countless numbers. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Sing your songs of joy and gladness. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Drive away all gloom and sadness. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
Jesus comes, not rich or wealthy. Hallelu, Hallelu. Praise the Lord.
He can make our spirits healthy. Glory Hallelujah. Praise the Lord.
(Or can be sung with ‘fa la la’ refrain)
September 2017
Here comes Jesus of Nazareth
(Tune: John Booler)
Why should we sing and rejoice today?
Tell us what cause to be glad.
Where is the comfort, and which is the way
for those who are weary and sad?
Why should we search for a better life?
Tell us what reason we find.
Where is the peace that can conquer all strife?
How can we learn to be kind?
Here comes Jesus of Nazareth,
Mary’s firstborn and joy,
brought to birth by the Spirit’s breath,
for he’s the presence of God in a boy.
So we can sing and be glad today.
We shout ‘hurrah’ and rejoice.
Jesus has come here to show us God’s way.
He gives our loving a voice.
We shout ‘hurrah’ and rejoice!
How can we recognise truth today?
Tell us what meaning is found.
Where is the guidance, and which is the way
for those who are wand’ring around?
Why should we trust in a God or man?
Tell us the doubts we can leave.
How can our faithfulness change any plan?
How can we learn to believe?
Here comes Jesus of Nazareth,
Mary’s firstborn and joy,
brought to birth by the Spirit’s breath
for he’s the presence of God in a boy.
So we can sing and rejoice today.
We shout ‘hurrah’ and rejoice.
Jesus has come here to show us God’s way.
He gives believing a voice.
We shout ‘hurrah’ and rejoice!
1999
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Photo Credit: Annie Spratt on Unsplash |