A New Hymn for Christmas

A couple of months ago Chris Bowman, Minister of Music at First United and my partner in ministry, asked me to think about writing a new hymn for Christmas, perhaps even using an existing tune. I tried desperately to rise to the challenge but nothing seemed to come. Then last week as we were planning Christmas Eve we were being somewhat silly (as usual) and amidst peals of laughter we started singing Jingle Bells and changing things to fit the Christmas story. Yesterday morning as I was having my coffee a new song began to form in my mind and I jotted down the words that came to me. Later in the day Chris and I fine-tuned the piece and created what will now be the song we do on Christmas Eve for the Children’s service, during which the nativity will be set up for story time. Here it is!

For those who are planning worship for Christmas feel free to use this song. Acknowledgements to its authors would be appreciated. (To the tune of Jungle Bells)

Ring the Bells

Young Mary heard the call, to be the one to bear
God’s everlasting love, and with the world would share
The gifts of hope and joy, and peace for all the earth
This promised is fulfilled for us the night of Jesus’ birth.. Oh..

Ring the bells, ring the bells, ring them all the way
Oh what fun to celebrate a baby born today ( repeat)

With singing in the air, we heard the angels say
That Jesus Christ is born, and shepherds led the way
And o’er the hills we go to Bethlehem this night
To share the joy of God’s good news and see this wondrous sight… oh

Ring the bells, ring the bells, ring them all the way
Oh what fun to celebrate a baby born today (repeat)

The Wise ones from the east bore witness to a star
Interpreting the signs, they journeyed from afar

With gifts of gold and myrrh, and frankincense they came
To worship and proclaim God’s love, and now we do the same… oh

Ring the bells, ring the bells ring them all the way
Oh what fun to celebrate a baby born today.

Merry Christmas
Valerie