Holiday Songbook

“Angels We Have Heard On High”

Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o ’ er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song?

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee, Christ the Lord, the newborn King.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

See Him in a manger laid Jesus Lord of heaven and earth; Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, With us sing our Savior’s birth.

Gloria, in excelsis Deo! Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

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Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsforchristmas com

“It Came Upon A Midnight Clear”

It came upon the midnight clear; that glorious song of old, from angels bending near the earth to touch their harps of gold; “Peace on the earth, good will to men, from heaven’s all gracious King.” The world in solemn stillness lay, to hear the angels sing.

Still through the cloven skies they come with peaceful wings unfurled, and still their heavenly music floats o ’ er all the weary world’ above its sad and lowly plains, they bend on hovering wing, and ever o ’ er its Babel sounds the blessed angels sing.

And ye, beneath life’s crushing load, whose forms are bending low, who toil along the climbing way

with painful steps and slow, look now! for glad and golden hours come swiftly on the wing. O rest beside the weary road, and hear the angels sing!

For lo! the days are hastening on, by prophet seen of old, when the ever circling years shall come the time foretold when peace shall over all the earth its ancient splendors fling, and the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.

With lyriWritten in 1849, “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” is a poem by Edmund Sears, who was a

English melody, also has been used Angelic singers share the message of peace on Earth in this carol,

Josh Groban, have entranced listeners with their renditions of this

Lyrics courtesy of Hymnary org

the Unitarian

in

Mass. Sears’ lyrics are often put to “Carol,” a melody composed for the poem by Richard Storrs Willis However, “Noel,”

pastor of

Church

Wayland,

modified by Arthur Sullivan from an

and many well known popular artists, including

holiday classic.

“Away in a Manger”

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.

The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my cradle til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me, I pray. Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.

The popular Christmas carol “Away In a Manger” has an interesting history. German priest and Protestant Reformation leader Martin Luther was long believed to have written the song However, historians no longer believe that’s the case, and it is now widely considered to have American origins In fact, the author of the third verse remains a topic of debate, as that verse does not appear in the earliest renditions of the song. Though that final verse is often attributed to American John T. MacFarland, various sources indicate that more research is necessary before that credit can be safely assigned.

Lyrics courtesy of LyricsforChristmas com

“White Christmas”

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.

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.

Snow covered landscapes can make the holiday season that much more special The beauty of such landscapes are captured in the song “White Christ mas,” which was penned by Irving Berlin. No one is sure when Berlin actually composed the song, but it is widely believed he did so in the late 1920s or early 1930s. Just what compelled Berlin, who was Jewish, to write the song also remains a mystery. But “White Christmas” is one of the best selling songs of all time particularly after it was included in the musical “Holiday Inn” starring Fred Astaire and Bing Crosby The song earned Berlin an Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1942 In the film, “White Christmas” was performed as a duet by crooner Bing Crosby and Marjorie Reynolds, but Crosby’s solo recording is a time honored classic that can always be heard during the holiday season.

Lyrics courtesy of Christmassongs net

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“Silent Night”

Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright Round yon Virgin Mother and Child, Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in Heavenly peace! Sleep in Heavenly peace!

Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight; Glories stream from Heaven afar, Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ, the Saviour, is born! Christ, the Saviour, is born!

Silent night! Holy night! Son of God, Love’s pure light Radiant beams from Thy Holy face, With the dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth, Jesus, Lord at Thy birth.

In 2018, the popular Christmas carol “Silent Night” celebrated the 200th anniversary of its first performance. The lyrics to “Silent Night” were written by Austrian Roman Catholic priest Joseph Mohr in 1816. Over the years, the melody has been credited to the likes of legendary composers such as Mozart and Beethoven However, a manuscript handwritten by Mohr and discovered in 1995 revealed that the Austrian composer Franz Xaver Gruber composed the music to this beloved song.

Lyrics written by Joseph Mohr Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsforchristmas com

“The Little Drummer Boy”

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum, A newborn King to see, pa rum pum pum pum. Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum, To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum. So to honor Him, pa rum pum pum pum, When we come.

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum, I am a poor boy, too, pa rum pum pum pum.

I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum, That’s fit to give our King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum. Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum, On my drum.

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum, The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum. I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum, Me and my drum.

Originally titled “Carol of the Drum,” the song eventually known as “The Little Drummer Boy” was written

was a classical music composer and teacher It first was recorded by the Trapp Family Singers

the Baby Jesus Mary agrees to let him play his drum as a gift One of the more notable recordings

Bing Crosby for a 1977 television special, which interwove “The Little Drummer

“Peace

in 1941 by Katherine Kennicott Davis, who

and tells the story of a poor boy who had no gift to offer

of the song was a collaboration by David Bowie and

Boy” with

on Earth.”

Written by Katherine K Davis Lyrics courtesy of Christmassongs net

“Frosty the Snowman”

Frosty the snowman was a jolly happy soul, With a corncob pipe and a button nose And two eyes made out of coal. Frosty the snowman is a fairy tale, they say, He was made of snow but the children Know how he came to life one day.

There must have been some magic in that Old silk hat they found For when they placed it on his head He began to dance around. O, Frosty the snowman Was alive as he could be, And the children say he could laugh And play just the same as you and me

(Chorus)

Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpetty thump thump, Look at Frosty go Thumpetty thump thump, Thumpetty thump thump, Over the hills of snow.

Frosty the snowman knew The sun was hot that day, So he said, “Let’s run and We’ll have some fun Now before I melt away. " Down to the village, With a broomstick in his hand, Running here and there all the square saying, h me if you can. He led them down the streets of town Right to the traffic cop. nd he only paused a moment when e heard him holler “Stop!” or Frosty the snow man to hurry on his way, But he waved goodbye saying, “Don’t you cry, I’ll be back again some day.”

(Chorus)

Who can resist the magic of the holiday season? Especially when that magic brings a normally inanimate snowman to life! That’s the concept behind “Frosty the Snowman,” a song both children and adults enjoy each holiday season Musicians Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson co wrote the song in 1950, when it quickly caught on as a catchy and memorable tune. Just a year earlier, Rollins and Nelson penned “Here Comes Peter Cottontail” for an Easter special, so they were no strangers to kid friendly holiday songs. The “Frosty” song led to a children’s book soon after, and later was brought to the tele vision screen in 1969 for a holiday special that has become a must-watch in many households

Written by Jack Rollins and Steve Nelson Lyrics courtesy of Christmassongs.net

City sidewalks, Busy sidewalks Dressed in holiday style, In the air there’s a Feeling of Christmas.

Children laughing, People passing, Meeting smile after smile, And on every street corner you’ll hear.

(Chorus)

Silver bells, silver bells, It’s Christmas time in the city. Ring a ling, 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 their treasures. Hear the snow crunch, See the kids bunch, This is Santa’s big scene, And above all this bustle You’ll hear.

(Chorus)

better fit Holiday celebrants soon made “Silver Bells” a holiday stan dard

Written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans Lyrics courtesy of LyricsforChristmas.com

“O Come, All Ye Faithful”

O come, all ye faithful, joyful and tri umphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold him born the King of an gels;

O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

God of God, Light of Light; Lo, he abhors not the virgin’s womb; very God, begotten not created;

O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Sing, choirs of angels, sing in exultation, Sing, all ye citizens of heav’n above; Glory to God, all glory in the highest;

O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

Yea, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning: Jesus, to thee be all glory giv’n; Word of the Father, late in flesh appearing.

O come, let us adore him; O come, let us adore him;

O come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord!

The popular Christmas carol “O Come, All Ye Faithful” traces its history back several centuries. While the lyrics to the song have been attributed to vari ous authors, the text is most often credited to an 18th century English hymnist named John Francis Wade. While Wade may or may not deserve such credit, the earliest known written versions of the hymn, sometimes referred to as “Adeste Fideles,” each include his signature

Lyrics attributed to John Francis Wade Lyrics courtesy of www.hymnary.org.

The first Noel the angel did say was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; in fields where they lay keeping their sheep, on a cold winter’s night that was so deep.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

They looked up and saw a star shining in the east, beyond them far; and to the earth it gave great light, and so it continued both day and night.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

And by the light of that same star three Wise Men came from country far; to seek for a king was their intent,

and to follow the star wherever it went.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

This star drew nigh to the northwest, o ’ er Bethlehem it took its rest; and there it did both stop and stay, right over the place where Jesus lay.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

Then entered in those Wise Men three, full reverently upon the knee, and offered there, in his presence, their gold and myrrh and frankincense.

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel.

“The First Noël” (also known as “The First Nowell”) is among the oldest songs now sung as a Christmas carol. The song is believed to be of Cornish origin, which means it can be traced to an ethnic group associated with the historic county of Cornwall

southwest

tory.net, historians believe “The First Noël” was written as early as the 13th century.

very popular in Europe, and “The First Noël” is believed to have been inspired by those plays. The song tells the story

in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew Lyrics courtesy of Hymnary.org

in

England According to Classichis

During that time, Miracle Plays that depicted Biblical stories were

of the birth of Jesus as depicted

“Christmas Time is Here”

Christmas time is here Happiness and cheer Fun for all that children call Their favorite time of the year.

Snowflakes in the air Carols everywhere Olden times and ancient rhymes Of love and dreams to share.

Sleigh bells in the air Beauty everywhere Yuletide by the fireside And joyful memories there.

Christmas time is here We’ll be drawing near Oh, that we could always see Such spirit through the year Oh, that we could always see

Such spirit through the year.

“Christmas Time Is Here” is a song written for the 1965 television special “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” which was one of the first animated specials produced for network television in the United States Along with singing carols and baking cookies, watching classic Christmas specials is part of many families’ holiday traditions. Two versions of the song appeared on the album that was released in conjunction with the TV special: an instrumental ver sion by the Vince Guaraldi Trio as well as a vocal version sung by choristers from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in San Rafael, Calif.

Written by Vince Guaraldi and Lee Mendelson Lyrics courtesy of Lyricsforchristmas.com

“Deck the Halls”

Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

‘Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Toll the ancient Yule tide carol, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

See the blazing Yule before us, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Strike the harp and join the chorus. Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

While I tell of Yule tide treasure, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la, la la la la.

Sing we joyous, all together, Fa la la, la la la, la la la.

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la, la la la la..

“Deck

tish

the

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

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the Halls” often conjures the festive atmosphere of the holiday season The English language lyrics to “Deck the Halls” were written by the Scot

musician Thomas Oliphant in 1862, and the song many people know today is a traditional Christmas carol However, the Welsh melody that is part of

song can be traced to the 16th century and a song called “Nos Galan.” That song is not about Christmas, but rather New Year ’s Eve.

English lyrics written by Thomas Oliphant Lyrics courtesy of LyricsforChristmas com