Jesus Child (John Rutter) Midnight (Mark and Helen Johnson)

Have you heard the story that they’re 1. telling ‘bout Bethlehem? Midnight, there’s the strangest feeling in Have you heard the story of the Jesus the air tonight, child? There’s something going on but I can’t How he came from heaven and was born make it out, in a manger bed? I wonder what it’s all about. Mary was his virgin mother, pure and mild. 2. Starlight, breaking through the darkness in Sing alleluia, brothers, sing alleluia, the air tonight, sisters, Illuminates the path that takes you out of Worship the Jesus child and praise his sight mother mild. And all the way to Bethlehem. ‘Glory to God on high’, the angel hosts above are singing: Tonight’s events were planned in heaven, Listen to the story of the Jesus child. The greatest story ever penned! Heaven and Earth have come together, Have you heard the story of the poor And life has come to Bethlehem! humble shepherd men Sitting on the hillside with their flocks by 3. night? Angels, taking care of things that only they Suddenly the angel tells them ‘Hurry to can do, Bethlehem! Are waiting in the wings to bring the Go and find the Jesus child, the world’s joyful news, new light!’ It’s going to turn the world around!

Jesus child, lying at Bethlehem, 4. Sleeping safe at Mary’s knee: Strangers, having made arrangements for a Save my soul and bring me to paradise, night or two, Let me join the angels singing ‘Glory to Have found accommodation in the thee’ crowded rooms, The house is packed in Bethlehem. Have you heard the story of the kings from the Orient 5. Following the star that’s shining over his Shepherds, minding their own business head? looking after things, Offering their precious gifts of gold, myrrh Are startled by an unexpected happening, and frankincense, As angel choirs appear to them. Kneeling with the ox and ass before his bed? 6. Wise men, taking charts and telescopes and compasses, Investigate the star that takes them traveling Until they come to Bethlehem.

Just Another Star (Jenkins/Barrett) 3. 1. Darkness was over Bethlehem, Just another star to light the sky, Brightly the star did shine, Just another town to passers by, Showing the way to where he lay Just another night so cold and grey, In a manger for all to find. Strangers look for shelter, Couldn’t find a place to stay. 4. Just another donkey, warm and brown, Never before in history Just another journey through the town, Had there been such a sign: Just another search for somewhere warm, For God was born in human form Found a tiny stable For the sake of all mankind. Just before a child was born.

Love isn’t ever far, look up from where you Hope was born this night are, (Frey/McDonald) Look for another star, Shining like it shone down on Bethlehem. 1 Tonight I can see a star shine 2. And its splendour fills up the sky Just another candle in the night, It's the same that appeared and the wise Just another shelter out of sight, men revered Just another shepherd passing by, When hope was born this night Sheep stood round the manger, 2 Listening to a lullaby. Out upon the snowy fields Is was such a special place to stay, There's a silent peace that heals It was such a happy Christmas Day! And it echoes the grace of our Saviour's It was such a glowing star that shone embrace Up above the stable ‘cause hope was born this night Where the holy child was born. Glory to God in the highest Peace on Earth, good will to all men Let all of the world sing the chorus of joy Because hope was born this night The Gift (Johnson) 3 1. I can hear the Christmas bells ring Nearly two thousand years ago, As softly a church choir sings Under a starlit sky, It's the song used to praise the ancient of Many events were taking place days As the ancients had prophesied. When hope was born this night 4 And a gift was given from heaven to Earth, There are angels in this place The everlasting light. And my heart resounds with the praise So let us adore the Saviour born, Like a shepherd so scared, I'll rejoice and Emmanuel here tonight! declare 2. That hope was born this night Heavenly hosts of angels Praising God on high, Glory to God in the highest… Sang of the promised child to come, The Saviour, Jesus Christ. Gloria……..

Thorns in the Straw (Kendrick) We wish you a merry Christmas (Trad)

Since the day the angel came We wish you a merry Christmas X3 It seemed like everything had changed And a happy new year! The only certain thing Was the Child that moved within Good tidings we bring to you and your kin, On the road that would not end We wish you a merry Christmas Winding down to Bethlehem And a happy new year! So far away from home. Now bring us some figgy pudding… Just a blanket on the floor Of a vacant cattle-stall We won’t go until we get some!... But there the Child was born She held Him in her arms And as she laid Him down to sleep She wondered - will it always be So bitter and so sweet

And did she see there In the straw by His head a thorn And did she smell myrrh In the air on that starry night

Then the words of ancient seers Tumbled down the centuries... A maiden shall conceive... ‘God with us... Prince of Peace Man of Sorrows’ - strangest name Oh Joseph, there it comes again So bitter yet so sweet

And as she watched Him through the years Her joy was mingled with her tears And she'd feel it all again The glory, and the shame And when the miracles began She wondered, who is this Man? And where will this all end?

'Til against a darkening sky The Son she loved was lifted high And with His dying breath She heard Him say 'Father forgive' And to the criminal beside 'Today-with me in Paradise' So bitter yet so sweet.