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Love came down at Christmas,
Love all lovely, love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead,
Love incarnate, love divine;
Worship we our Jesus:
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token,
Love shall be yours and love be mine,
Love to God and to all men,
Love for plea and gift and sign.

http://www.carols.org.uk/white_christmas.htm


The music and lyrics for White Christmas were written by Irving Berlin in 1942 and originally featured in the movie Holiday Inn starring Bing Crosby



I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

http://www.godweb.org/christmasprayers.htm

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with the flocks,
then the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal those broken in spirit,
to feed the hungry,
to release the oppressed,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among all peoples,
to make a little music with the heart…

Of the Father's love begotten,
ere the worlds began to be,
he is Alpha and Omega,
he the source, the ending he,
of the things that are, that have been,
and that future years shall see,
evermore and evermore!

At his word the words were framèd;
he commanded; it was done:
heaven and earth and depths of ocean
in their threefold order one;
all that grows beneath the shining
of the moon and burning sun,
evermore and evermore!

O that birth for ever blessèd,
when the Virgin, full of grace,
by the Holy Ghost conceiving,
bare the Saviour of our race;
and the Babe, the world's Redeemer,
first revealed his sacred face,
evermore and evermore!

This is he whom seers in old time
chanted of with one accord;
whom the voices of the prophets
promised in their faithful word;
now he shines, the long expected,
let creation praise its Lord,
evermore and evermore!

O ye heights of heaven, adore him;
angel-hosts, his praises sing;
powers, dominions, bow before him,
and extol our God and King;
let no tongue on earth be silent,
every voice in concert ring,
evermore and evermore!

Thee let old men, thee let young men,
thee let boys in chorus sing;
matrons, virgins, little maidens,
with glad voices answering:
let their guileless songs re-echo,
and the heart its music bring,
evermore and evermore!

Christ, to thee with God the Father,
and, O Holy Ghost, to thee,
hymn and chant and high thanksgiving,
and unwearied praises be;
honour, glory and dominion,
and eternal victory,
evermore and evermore!

http://protestantism.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_meaning_of_advent

There are four candles, one for each Sunday leading to Christmas and a fifth candle for Christmas day.

The Fourth Candle (The Candle of Peace)
The fourth candle reminds that Jesus comes to bring Peace to both the world and to people's hearts.

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!"

Angel Carol-John Rutter

1. Have you heard the sounds of the angel voices ringing out so sweetly, ringing out so clear?
Have you seen the star shining out so brightly as a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here? Have you heard the news that they bring from heaven to the humble shepherds who have waited long?
Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels sing their joyful song.

2. He is come in peace in the winter's stillness, like a gentle snowfall in the gentle night.
He is come in joy, like the sun at morning, filling all the world with radiance and with light.
He is come in love as the child of Mary. In a simple stable we have seen his birth.
Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo!
Hear the angels singing 'Peace on earth'.

3.
He will bring new light to a world in darkness, like a bright star shining in the skies above.
He will bring new hope to the waiting nations. When he comes to reign in purity and love.
Let the earth rejoice. Let the earth rejoice at the Saviour's coming. Let the heavens answer with the joyful morn:
Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! ||:
Hear the angels singing, 'Christ is born'. :||

Julia (in Cambs)

How far is it to Bethlehem?
Not very far.
Shall we find the stable room
Lit by a star?

Can we see the little child,
Is he within?
If we lift the wooden latch
May we go in?

May we stroke the creatures there,
Ox, ass, or sheep?
May we peep like them and see
Jesus asleep?

If we touch his tiny hand
Will he awake?
Will he know we've come so far
Just for his sake?

Great kings have precious gifts,
And we have naught,
Little smiles and little tears
Are all we brought.

For all weary children
Mary must weep.
Here, on his bed of straw
Sleep, children, sleep.

God in his mother's arms,
Babes in the byre,
Sleep, as they sleep who find
Their heart's desire.

Silver Bells
City sidewalks busy sidewalks
Dressed in holiday style
In the air theres a feeling of christmas
Children laughing people passing
Meeting smile after smile
And on every street corner you,ll here
Silver bells silver bells
Its christmas time in the city
Ring aling hear them ring
Soon it will be christmas day
Strings of street lights even stop lights
Blink a bright red and green
As the shoppers rush home with there treasures
Hear the snow crunch see the kidsbunch
This is santas big scene
And above all this bustle you,ll hear
Silver bells silver bells
Its christmas time in the city
Ring a ling hear them ring
Soon it will be christmas day
Silver bells silver bells
Its christmas time in the city
Ring along hear them ring
Soon it will be christmas day
Soon it will be christmas day

1. Open my eyes, that I may see
glimpses of truth thou hast for me;
place in my hands the wonderful key
that shall unclasp and set me free.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my eyes, illumine me, Spirit divine!

2. Open my ears, that I may hear
voices of truth thou sendest clear;
and while the wavenotes fall on my ear,
everything false will disappear.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my ears, illumine me, Spirit divine!

3. Open my mouth, and let me bear
gladly the warm truth everywhere;
open my heart and let me prepare
love with thy children thus to share.
Silently now I wait for thee,
ready, my God, thy will to see.
Open my heart, illumine me, Spirit divine!

http://www.ireland-information.com/articles/irishchristmastraditions.htm

IRISH CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

Ireland, like most countries, has a number of Christmas traditions that are all of its own. Many of these customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being supressed and it is perhaps because of that they have survived into modern times.


THE LADEN TABLE

After evening meal on Christmas eve the kitchen table was again set and on it were placed a loaf of bread filled with caraway seeds and raisins, a pitcher of milk and a large lit candle. The door to the house was left unlatched so that Mary and Joseph, or any wandering traveller, could avail of the welcome.

'Oiche Nollag in Eireann' - Kerry Christmas Carol

The poem is an evocation of an old Irish custom in which each household would leave a lighted candle in their window on Christmas night. There was a pious belief that Joseph and Mary and the Child still wandered the roads of the world, looking for a place to rest from the persecution of Herod. That they should show a preference for the roads of rural Ireland was accepted as a given.


Brush the floor and clean the hearth,
And set the fire to keep,
For they might visit us tonight
When all the world's asleep!


Don't blow the tall white candle out
But leave it burning bright,
So that they'll know they're welcome here
This holy Christmas night!



These first two verses of the carol I also feel are applicable to loved ones who have passed, to let them know they are thought of , held in our hearts and still welcome in our home. So I light the candle accordingly :))

I am glad people are enjoying this :-)

How time flies, seems like only yesterday, I was copying and pasting some of the Carols that were on last years list.

Anyway, Happy Christmas to All.

Mo

Isaiah 9
English Revised Version
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2 The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

3 Thou hast multiplied the nation, thou hast increased their joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

4 For the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, thou hast broken as in the day of Midian.

5 For all the armour of the armed man in the tumult, and the garments rolled in blood, shall even be for burning, for fuel of fire.

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

One that remind me of little children singing at their nativity play :O)



Little donkey, little donkey
On the dusty road
Got to keep on plodding onward
With your precious load
Been a long time little donkey
Through the winter's night
Don't give up now little donkey
Bethlehem's in sight
Ring out those bells tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Little donkey, little donkey
Had a heavy day
Little donkey, carry Mary
Safely on her way
Little donkey, little donkey
Journey's end is near
There are wise men waiting for us
And to bring them here
Do not falter little donkey
There's a star ahead
It will guide you, little donkey
To a cattle shed
Ring out those bells tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Follow that star tonight
Bethlehem, Bethlehem
Little donkey, little donkey
Had a heavy day
Little donkey, carry Mary
Safely on her way
Little donkey, carry Mary
Safely on her way

Shepherds pipe carol


Going through the hills on a night all starry

On the way to Bethlehem,

Far away I heard a shepherd piping

On the way to Bethlehem.



Angels in the sky brought this message nigh :

Dance and sing for joy that Christ the newborn King

is come to bring us peace on earth,

and he’s lying cradled there at Bethlehem.



Tell me, shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily

On the way to Bethlehem,

Who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely

On the way to Bethlehem?



« None may hear my pipes on these hills so lonely

On the way to Bethlehem;

But a King will hear me play sweet lullabies

When I get to Bethlehem. »



Angels in the sky came down from on high,

Hovered over the manger where the babe was lying

cradled in the arms of his mother Mary,

sleeping now at Bethlehem.



« Where is this new King, shepherd boy piping merrily,

Is he there at Betlhelem? »

« I will find him soon by the star shining brightly

In the sky over Bethlehem. »



« May I come with you, shepherd boy piping merrily,

Come with you to Bethlehem?

Pay my homage too at the new King’s cradle,

Is it far to Bethlehem? »

Going through the hills on a night all starry
On the way to Bethlehem
Far away I heard a shepherd boy piping
On the way to Bethlehem

Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
Dance and sing for joy that Christ the King of Kings
Is come to bring us peace on earth and he’s lying
Cradled there at Bethlehem

Tell me shepherd boy piping tunes so merrily
On the way to Bethlehem
Who will hear your tunes on these hills so lonely
On the way to Bethlehem

Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
Dance and sing for joy that Christ the King of Kings
Is come to bring us peace on Earth and he’s lying
Cradled there at Bethlehem

None may hear my pipes on these hills so lonely
On the way to Bethlehem;
But a King will hear me play sweet lullabies
When I get to Bethlehem

Angels in the sky came down from on high
Hovered o'er the manger where the Babe was lying
Cradled in the arms of His mother Mary
Sleeping now at Bethlehem

Where is this new King, shepherd boy piping merrily
Is He there at Betlhelem
I will find him soon by the star shining brightly
In the sky o'er Bethlehem

Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
Dance and sing for joy that Christ the King of Kings
Is come to bring us peace on Earth and he’s lying
Cradled there at Bethlehem

May I come with you shepherd boy piping merrily
Come with you to Bethlehem
Pay my homage too at the new King’s cradle
Is it far to Bethlehem

Angels in the sky brought this message nigh:
Dance and sing for joy that Christ the King of Kings
Is come this night and born in a stable lowly
born for you at Bethlehem

And the first Advent candle was lit today.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, thou Wisdom from on high,
who orderest all things mightily;
to us the path of knowledge show,
and teach us in her ways to go. Refrain

O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free
thine own from Satan's tyranny;
from depths of hell thy people save,
and give them victory over the grave. Refrain

O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheer
our spirits by thine advent here;
disperse the gloomy clouds of night,
and death's dark shadows put to flight. Refrain

O come, thou Key of David, come,
and open wide our heavenly home;
make safe the way that leads on high,
and close the path to misery. Refrain

O come, O come, great Lord of might,
who to thy tribes on Sinai's height
in ancient times once gave the law
in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain

O come, thou Root of Jesse's tree,
an ensign of thy people be;
before thee rulers silent fall;
all peoples on thy mercy call. Refrain

O come, Desire of nations, bind
in one the hearts of all mankind;
bid thou our sad divisions cease,
and be thyself our King of Peace. Refrain

O come, O come, Emmanuel,
and ransom captive Israel,
that mourns in lonely exile here
until the Son of God appear. Refrain