Star in the East, the horizon adorning,
Guide where our infant Redeemer was laid!
Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining,
Low lies his bed with the beasts of the stall;
Angels adore him, in slumber reclining,
Wise men and shepherds before him do fall.
Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,
Odours of Edom and off’rings divine,
Gems from the mountain and pearls from the ocean,
Myrrh from the forest and gold from the mine?
Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
Vainly with gold would his favour secure;
Richer by far is the heart’s adoration,
Dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.
Reginald Heber (1783–1826)
The Calypso carol (#ulink_6f0b2f3f-0f93-531d-8ce7-e805a0f14cab)
This song, with its catchy tune, is one of the more popular of relatively recently introduced Christmas songs. It invites a fresh response to Jesus Christ as Saviour.
See Him lying on a bed of straw, (#ulink_9e0df469-b570-55dc-af52-1eae9a9797ca)
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!
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!
Angels sing again the song you sang,
Sing the glory of God’s gracious plan;
Sing that Bethlehem’s little baby can
Be the saviour of us all.
Mine are riches, from your poverty,
From your innocence, eternity;
Mine forgiveness by your death for me,
Child of sorrow for my joy.
Michael Perry (1942–96)
Words: Michael Perry © Mrs B Perry/Jubilate Hymns Used by permission
Celebrations (#ulink_dd1e819b-2506-5b8f-b98d-8cd600d89c66)
This Christmas song is a popular contemporary carol and a frequent choice for children and families to sing during the festive season.
Come and join the celebration. (#ulink_122e0843-c69d-5ece-8cbf-563c16adfc5a)
It’s a very special day.
Come share our jubilation:
There’s a new King born today!
See the Shepherds
Hurry down to Bethlehem,
Gaze in wonder
At the Son of God
Who lay before them.