New Advent Candle Song

Sing the first four verses in any order, amend, adapt and enjoy

We gather by the Advent ring

We gather by the Advent ring

in expectation of our King.

We light a candle and await

the hope we long to celebrate.

Prophets foretold a wondrous birth;

Glory to God and peace on earth!

We gather by the Advent ring

in expectation of our King.

We light a candle and await

the peace we long to celebrate.

Like Mary, may our anthem be:

“Thy kingdom come, and come through me!”

We gather by the Advent ring

in expectation of our King.

We light a candle and await

the love we long to celebrate.

May we live out God’s special care

for all his children, everywhere!

We gather by the Advent ring

in expectation of our King.

We light a candle and await

the joy we long to celebrate.

There’s room enough for one and all:

just like the shepherds, hear God’s call!

We gather by the Advent ring

to greet the coming of the King.

Round Christ’s own candle we unite

to mark the end of death’s dark night.

Drive out dull misery and fear

for Christ, the Lord of Light, is here!

Tune 294 Sussex Carol

Words R Hill and A Shuttleworth

Joseph's gift

Joseph's gift a carol to the tune of "Infant Holy"

Joseph’s gift to the tune of Infant Holy

Joseph stands and watches over

Mary and the holy child

Travel weary, stranger wary,

Soon a refugee  exiled

Joseph’s gift is faithful service

Swept along unsure and nervous

Watches o’er the holy child

Watches o’er the holy child

Joseph stands within the temple

puzzles over what he hears

Prophesy and prayers which baffle

promise of the future years

Joseph’s gift is not demanding

Full disclosure, understanding

Watches o’er the lauded child

Watches o’er the lauded child

Grows in wisdom and in stature,

Human favour and divine;

father’s trade and Father’s calling

in the wood and rood combine

Joseph’s gift is in providing

Helping strengthening and guiding

Watches o’er the growing child

Watches o’er the  growing child.

Tune “Infant Holy”

Words by Alec Shuttleworth

Feel free to use if it serves.

Christmas is Coming.....

Not in the immediate next few days but eventually. Every year my friend Robin Hill and I wrote a little Christmas sketch of some sort and share it around for anyone who wishes to use. This year's offering can be found at http://dl.dropbox.com/u/11704008/A%20CHRISTMAS%20TRIPTYCH%202010%20FINAL.docx and you are very welcome to make of it what you will!

The Ten Commandments, Church of Scotland Style

Live Recording of this year's Committee Anent Assembly Revue, just for fun!

THE NATIVITY PIG

This story was written very quickly indeed but has struck a chord with several people. My friend Robin Hill has taken it and turned it into a Christmas sketch which you can find at http://www.textweek.com/festivals/christmas.htm under the heading of Drama with the title of "Of Pigs and Paintings". However here it is in its original form.