Taste of Scotland - 14

I am pleased to report that the rebranding of Diet Irn-Bru as Irn-Bru Sugar Free has been successful.



Tomorrow I shall start a short series on King George VI.

Taste of Scotland - 13

Here we see the official launch of Fiery Irn-Bru by Robin Barr - the grandson of A G Barr. The limited edition Irn Bru was released in Autumn 2011. Packaged with a black and orange design, and with the signature man icon with an added image of a fire, Fiery Irn Bru, had a warm, tingly feeling in the mouth once drunk. The after taste to it is similar to ginger but still has the iconic Irn Bru flavour.



Robin Barr must be disappointed by the lack of support for the new product. Recently I visited a large branch of Tesco in Inverness, and they said they had stopped stocking the product. I will leave you to assess the information shown below on the market price of shares in A G Barr.

4th Sunday of Ordinary Time

In the gospel today we hear about Jesus casting out an unclean spirit.



Songs of thankfulness and praise,
Jesus, Lord, to thee we raise,
manifested by the star
to the sages from afar;
branch of royal David's stem
in thy birth at Bethlehem;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.

Manifest at Jordan's stream,
Prophet, Priest and King supreme;
and at Cana, wedding guest,
in thy Godhead manifest;
manifest in power divine,
changing water into wine;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.

Manifest in making whole
palsied limbs and fainting soul;
manifest in valiant fight,
quelling all the devil's might;
manifest in gracious will,
ever bringing good from ill;
anthems be to thee addressed,
God in man made manifest.

Sun and moon shall darkened be,
stars shall fall, the heavens shall flee;
Christ will then like lightning shine,
all will see his glorious sign;
all will then the trumpet hear,
all will see the Judge appear;
thou by all wilt be confessed,
God in man made manifest.

Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,
mirrored in thy holy Word;
may we imitate thee now,
and be pure, as pure art thou;
that we like to thee may be
at thy great Epiphany;
and may praise thee, ever blest,
God in man made manifest.



Happy Sunday!

Taste of Scotland - 12

Well today it is the turn of the 5 male OAP's.



Sadly the new product does not appeal to the older generation. Perhaps youngsters will like it, but at my stage of life I will be staying well clear of Fiery Irn-Bru, and sticking with ordinary Irn-Bru.

Once more, I need to offer some support to the final OAP to sample the Fiery Irn-Bru. I think a Susan Boyle song should do the trick. Sorry I couldn't find any rap for our third pensioner to enjoy!



We conclude with Daniel O'Donnell and Susan Boyle singing a duet of Our Lady of Knock.

There were people of all ages
gathered ‘round the gable wall
poor and humble men and women,
little children that you called

We are gathered here before you,
and our hearts are just the same
filled with joy at such a vision,
as we praise your name

Refrain:
Golden Rose, Queen of Ireland,
all my cares and troubles cease
as we kneel with love before you,
Lady of Knock, my Queen of Peace

Though your message was unspoken,
still the truth in silence lies
as we gaze upon your vision,
and the truth I try to find

here I stand with John the teacher,
and with Joseph at your side
and I see the Lamb of God,
on the Altar glorified

Refrain

And the Lamb will conquer
and the woman clothed in the sun
will shine Her light on everyone

and the lamb will conquer
and the woman clothed in the sun,
will shine Her light on everyone

Refrain:



I'm not sure which is worse - this song or Fiery Irn-Bru! Fear not, we'll have a descent hymn tomorrow.

Taste of Scotland - 11

Some market researchers asked a sample of 10 Senior Citizens (OAP's) - 5 male and 5 female, to try the new Fiery Irn-Bru. Here is the reaction of the ladies.



Not very favourable! We'll have to wait until tomorrow to see whether the gentleman were more complimentary.

Sadly, the last lady to try the Fiery Irn-Bru was obviously in a state of shock, so I am featuring a Daniel O'Donnell song to help calm her nerves.

1. I watch the sunrise lighting the sky,
casting it's shadows near
And on this morning, bright though it be,
I feel those shadows near me.

But you are always close to me
Following all my ways.
May I be always close to you
following all your ways, Lord.

2. I watch the sunlight shine through the clouds,
warming the earth below.
And at the mid-day, life seems to say:
"I feel your brightness near me."

For you are always .....

3. I watch the sunset fading away,
lighting the clouds with sleep.
And as the evening closes it's eyes,
I feel your presence near me.

Yes you are always .....

4. I watch the moonlight guarding the night,
waiting till morning comes.
The air is silent, earth is at rest -
only your peace is near me.

For you are always .....

Taste of Scotland - 10

A G Barr recently introduced a new product FIERY IRN-BRU. Here we see the Master Taster at Whyte and Mackay (whisky producers) assessing the new product.



He was most impressed - but what will the general public think? Market research suggests that the new product does not appeal to older people, who find it too fiery!

Taste of Scotland - 9

Well, the great day has arrived! We now turn to Mr James Macsween to guide us through the ritual.



Fair fa' your honest, sonsie face,
Great chieftain o' the puddin-race!
Aboon them a' ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy o' a grace
As lang's my arm.

The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o' need,
While thro' your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.

His knife see rustic Labour dight,
An' cut you up wi' ready sleight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like ony ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!

Then, horn for horn,
they stretch an' strive:
Deil tak the hindmost! on they drive,
Till a' their weel-swall'd kytes belyve,
Are bent lyke drums;
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
"Bethankit!" 'hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi' perfect sconner,
Looks down wi' sneering, scornfu' view
On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him ower his trash,
As feckless as a wither'd rash,
His spindle shank, a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro' bloody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread.
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He'll mak it whissle;
An' legs an' arms, an' heads will sned,
Like taps o' thrissle.

Ye Pow'rs wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o' fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu' prayer,
Gie her a haggis!



I dread to think what the Holy Father must have thought when Cardinal Keith O'Brien addressed the haggis on St Ninian's Day 2010. I trust his Personal Secretary (Monsignor Georg Gänswein) had warned him of what to expect!

Happy Feast!

Taste of Scotland - 8

Well, it's time for your 'A' level practical! First you need to think about peeling and chopping the potatoes and turnips for your neeps and tatties.



Now, it's time to think about sauces and drink.



Now it's time to mash your neeps and tatties.



Now it's time to plate up.



Now it's time to sample the dish.



Tom scored 10/10. What did you score?

Taste of Scotland - 7

In these two videos Jo Macsween shows us how to cook our haggis. It is not difficult!

3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time

In the gospel today we hear about Jesus calling Simon Peter and his brother Andrew to leave their nets and follow him.



Jesus calls us over the tumult
Of our life’s wild, restless, sea;
Day by day His sweet voice soundeth,
Saying, “Christian, follow Me!”

As of old Saint Andrew heard it
By the Galilean lake,
Turned from home and toil and kindred,
Leaving all for Jesus’ sake.

Jesus calls us from the worship
Of the vain world’s golden store,
From each idol that would keep us,
Saying, “Christian, love Me more!”

In our joys and in our sorrows,
Days of toil and hours of ease,
Still He calls, in cares and pleasures,
“Christian, love Me more than these!”

Jesus calls us! By Thy mercies,
Saviour may we hear Thy call,
Give our hearts to Thine obedience,
Serve and love Thee best of all.



Happy Sunday!

Taste of Scotland - 6

I can now reveal to you that the Holy Father was served Macsweens haggis at his lunch in Edinburgh on 16 September 2010. Macsweens are the Guardians of Scotland's National Dish. You may purchase this excellent product at any of the following supermarkets.



I will leave it to Mrs Jo Macsween to help you decide what type of haggis to buy.



Perhaps you were expecting me to recommend you purchase your haggis from Donald Russell - suppliers to Her Majesty The Queen of Meat and Poultry, but in fact they will simply supply you with Macsweens haggis! So, just go to Tesco or whichever supermarket you find most convenient.

Taste of Scotland - 5

It is time to make preparations for Burns Night, which we shall be celebrating on Wednesday 25 January. You will want to eat haggis, neeps and tatties for your main course at supper.



Haggis is a dish containing sheep's 'pluck' (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally simmered in the animal's stomach for approximately three hours. Most modern commercial haggis is prepared in a casing rather than an actual stomach.

As a kind of savoury pudding, the 2001 English edition of the Larousse Gastronomique puts it, "Although its description is not immediately appealing, haggis has an excellent nutty texture and delicious savoury flavour".

The haggis is a traditional Scottish dish memorialised as the national dish of Scotland by Robert Burns' poem Address to a Haggis in 1787. Haggis is traditionally served with "neeps and tatties" (Scots: Swedish turnip and potato, boiled and mashed separately) and a "dram" (i.e. a glass of Scotch whisky), especially as the main course of a Burns supper.

You will be in good company feasting on this dish! Pope Benedict XVI tucked into haggis, neeps and tatties as part of a Scottish lunch prepared for him by Cardinal Keith O'Brien's housekeeper on Thursday 16 September 2010.

The lunch for the Pope - and 14 other guests, including the Scottish Catholic bishops - was cooked by Theresa Muldoon at the Cardinal's official residence in the Grange, Edinburgh.

The menu also featured roast beef, Yorkshire pudding and seasonal vegetables, followed by cranachan, and finally coffee, shortbread and mints.

Whisky is as much a part of Burns Night as haggis, but it doesn't have to be the only drink quaffed with the meal. In fact, beer and wine can be better at bringing out the full flavour of the haggis. Robust reds, dry whites and stronger, richer beers really hit the spot. For non drinkers, try serving a crisp, sharp apple juice - or you could even give them Scotland's other national drink, Irn-Bru.

Taste of Scotland - 4

Sadly, you cannot trust everyone who drinks Irn-Bru!



Although most Scottish people are kind to animals, there are exceptions.

Tomorrow sees the start of our preparations for Burns Night.

Taste of Scotland - 3

The following advertisement contains an important message - be sure to share your Irn-Bru! The 750 ml glass bottle is perfect for sharing.



Please remember - today we start the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Taste of Scotland - 2

Demand for IRN-BRU is going to be a wee bit heavier this year. Sorry for the small size of the photo - but A G Barr are not allowing me to make it any larger!



Q: What is the secret recipe for IRN-BRU?

A: The recipe for IRN-BRU is known by only two people in the world, former Chairman Robin Barr and one other A.G.Barr p.l.c board director whose identity remains confidential. The secret recipe has been passed down from one generation of the Barr family to another since 1901 when BARRS IRON BREW (as it was then spelt) was launched by Robert Barr and his son Andrew Greg Barr. On the announcement of his retirement from the role of Chairman in 2009, Robin Barr confirmed that he will continue to mix the secret recipe for IRN-BRU at the company's headquarters in Cumbernauld. In true Barr tradition, he will eventually pass it on to his daughter, the company's lawyer, Julie Barr – who will keep the recipe a secret for generations of IRN-BRU drinkers to come. Beyond confirming that BARRS IRON-BREW was launched in 1901 containing 32 ingredients I am afraid we can tell you no more.

Q: Is there iron in IRN-BRU?

A: Yes there is a iron in IRN-BRU. Since Barrs original recipe IRON BREW (as it was then spelt) was launched in 1901 the recipe has always contained a very small amount of iron.

Taste of Scotland - 1

One of the great tastes of Scotland is Irn-Bru - which is produced by A G Barr plc.



A.G. Barr plc is a British soft drinks manufacturer, based in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. It is particularly notable for the manufacture of the popular Scottish drink, Irn-Bru. A.G. Barr is the largest manufacturer of soft drinks in the United Kingdom. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.

Irn-Bru is known for its bright orange colour. As of 1999 it contained 0.002% of ammonium ferric citrate, sugar, 32 flavouring agents (including caffeine and quinine) and two controversial colourings (E110, E124). On 27 January 2010, A.G. Barr agreed to a Food Standards Agency voluntary ban on these two colourings although no date has been set for their replacement. The beverage is advertised as having a slight citrus flavour.

2nd Sunday of Ordinary Time

As we start Ordinary Time during winter, here is lovely photo of some winter foliage. The winter foliage should be kept in place until Candlemas (2 February).



In the gospel today we are invited to come and see Jesus.

Hail to the Lord's Anointed,
great David's greater Son!
Hail, in the time appointed,
his reign on earth begun!
He comes to break oppression,
to set the captive free,
to take away transgression,
and rule in equity.

He comes, with succour speedy,
to those who suffer wrong;
to help the poor and needy,
and bid the weak be strong;
to give them songs for sighing,
their darkness turn to light,
whose souls, condemned and dying,
were precious in his sight.

He shall come down like showers
upon the fruitful earth;
love, joy, and hope, like flowers,
spring in his path to birth;
before him, on the mountains,
shall peace the herald go;
and righteousness, in fountains,
from hill to valley flow.

Kings shall fall down before him,
and gold and incense bring;
all nations shall adore him,
his praise all people sing;
to him shall prayer unceasing
and daily vows ascend,
his kingdom still increasing,
a kingdom without end.

O'er every foe victorious,
he on his throne shall rest;
from age to age more glorious,
all-blessing and all-blest.
the tide of time shall never
his covenant remove;
his name shall stand for ever,
his changeless Name of love.



Happy Sunday!

Come to Bethlehem - 21

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie.

No, this is a photo of an almost deserted Oxford Street in London - a very rare sight!



What sweeter music can we bring
Than a carol, for to sing
The birth of this our heavenly King?
Awake the voice! Awake the string!

Dark and dull night, fly hence away,
And give the honour to this day
That sees December turned to May.

Why does the chilling winter's morn
Smile, like a field beset with corn?
Or smell like a meadow newly shorn
Thus on the sudden? Come and see
The cause, why things thus fragrant be:

'Tis he is born. whose quickening birth
Gives life and lustre, public mirth,
To heaven and the under-earth.

We see him come, and know him ours,
Who, with his sunshine and his showers,
Turns all the patient ground to flowers.

The darling of the world is come,
And fit it is, we find a room
To welcome him, to welcome him.

The nobler part of all the house here, is the heart.
Which we will give him: and bequeath
This holly, and this ivy wreath.
To do him honour. who's our King,
And Lord of all this revelling.



This concludes our slightly extended Christmas celebration.

Come to Bethlehem - 20

1. Rejoice and be merry
in songs and in mirth!
O praise our Redeemer;
all mortals on earth!
For this is the birthday
of Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises we'll sing!

2. A heavenly vision
Appeared in the sky;
Vast numbers of angels
The shepherds did spy,
Proclaiming the birthday of
Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises we'll sing!

3. Likewise a bright star
In the sky did appear,
Which led the wise men
From the East to draw near;
They found the Messiah,
Sweet Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises we'll sing!

4. And when they were come,
they their treasures unfold,
And unto him offered
Myrrh, incense and gold.
So blessed for ever
Be Jesus our King,
Who brought us salvation,
His praises we'll sing!

Come to Bethlehem - 19

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

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. Refrain

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. Refrain

Then entered in those wise men three
full reverently upon their knee,
and offered there in his presence
their gold, and myrrh, and frankincense. Refrain

Then let us all with one accord
sing praises to our heavenly Lord;
that hath made heaven and earth of nought,
and with his blood mankind hath bought. Refrain

Come to Bethlehem - 18

1. Lo! the pilgrim magi
Leave their royal halls,
And with eager footsteps
Speed to Bethlehem's walls;
As they onward journey,
Faith, which firmly rests,
Built on hope unswerving,
Triumphs in their breasts.

2. O what joy and gladness
Filled each heart, from far
When, to guide their footsteps,
Shone that radiant star;
O'er that home so holy,
Pouring down its ray,
Where the cradled infant
With his mother lay.

3. Costly pomp and splendour
Earthly kings array;
He, a mightier Monarch,
Hath a nobler sway;
Straw may be his pallet,
Mean his garb may be,
Yet with power transcendent
He all hearts can free.

4. At his crib they worship,
Kneeling on the floor,
And their God there present,
In that Babe adore;
To our God and Saviour
We, as Gentiles true,
Give our heart o'er flowing,
Give our tribute due.

5. Bringing of our substance,
Gold unto our King;
Pure and chastened bodies
To our Christ we bring;
Unto him, like incense,
Vow and prayer address;
So with meetest offerings,
Him our God confess.

6. Glory to the Father,
Fount of Life alone;
Who unto the Gentiles,
Made his glory known.
Equal praise and glory,
Blessèd Son, to thee,
And to thee, Blest Spirit,
Evermore shall be. Amen.

Come to Bethlehem - 17

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Cold on his cradle the dewdrops are shining,
low lies his head with the beasts of the stall;
angels adore him in slumber reclining,
Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.

Shall we then yield him, in costly devotion,
odors of Edom, and offerings divine,
gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,
myrrh from the forest, and gold from the mine?

Vainly we offer each ample oblation,
vainly with gifts would his favor secure,
richer by far is the heart's adoration,
dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning,
dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid;
star of the east, the horizon adorning,
guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.

Come to Bethlehem - 16

Past three a clock,
And a cold frosty morning,
Past three a clock;
Good morrow, masters all!

1. Born is a Baby,
Gentle as may be,
Son of the eternal
Father supernal.
Refrain.

2. Seraph quire singeth,
Angel bell ringeth;
Hark how they rime it,
Time it and chime it.
Refrain.

3. Mid earth rejoices
Hearing such voices
e'ertofore so well
Carolling Nowell.
Refrain.

4. Hinds o'er the pearly,
Dewy lawn early
Seek the high Stranger
Laid in the manger.
Refrain.

5. Cheese from the dairy
Bring they for Mary
And, not for money,
Butter and honey.
Refrain.

6. Light out of star-land
Leadeth from far land
Princes, to meet him,
Worship and greet him.
Refrain.

7. Myrrh from full coffer,
Incense they offer;
Nor is the golden
Nugget withholden.
Refrain.

8. Thus they: I pray you,
Up, sirs, nor stay you
Till ye confess him
Likewise and bless him.
Refrain.

Come to Bethlehem - 15

We three kings of Orient are;
Bearing gifts we traverse afar,
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
Following yonder star.

Refrain

O star of wonder, star of light,
Star with royal beauty bright,
Westward leading, still proceeding,
Guide us to thy perfect light.

Refrain

Born a King on Bethlehem’s plain
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never,
Over us all to reign.

Refrain

Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh;
Prayer and praising, voices raising,
Worshipping God on high.

Refrain

Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume
Breathes a life of gathering gloom;
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
Sealed in the stone cold tomb.

Refrain

Glorious now behold Him arise;
King and God and sacrifice;
Alleluia, Alleluia,
Sounds through the earth and skies.

Refrain



Happy Feast!

Come to Bethlehem - 14

In the bleak midwinter, frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,
In the bleak midwinter, long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him, nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away when He comes to reign.
In the bleak midwinter a stable place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim, worship night and day,
Breastful of milk, and a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels fall before,
The ox and ass and camel which adore.

Angels and archangels may have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim thronged the air;
But His mother only, in her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the beloved with a kiss.

What can I give Him, poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring a lamb;
If I were a Wise Man, I would do my part;
Yet what I can I give Him: give my heart.

Come to Bethlehem - 13

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
all seated on the ground,
the angel of the Lord came down,
and glory shone around.

"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread
had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring
to you and all mankind.

"To you, in David's town, this day
is born of David's line
a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord;
and this shall be the sign:

"The heavenly Babe you there shall find
to human view displayed,
all meanly wrapped in swathing bands,
and in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith
appeared a shining throng
of angels praising God, who thus
addressed their joyful song:

"All glory be to God on high
and on earth be peace;
good will henceforth from heaven to me
begin and never cease."

Come to Bethlehem - 12

God rest you merry, gentlemen,
Let nothing you dismay,
For Jesus Christ, our Saviour,
Was born upon this day
To save us all from Satan's power
When we were gone astray.
Refrain:
O tidings of comfort and joy,
comfort and joy;
O tidings of comfort and joy!

In Bethlehem in Jewry
This blessed Babe was born,
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn;
The which his mother Mary
Nothing did take in scorn. Refrain

From God our heavenly Father
A blessed angel came,
And unto certain shepherds
Brought tidings of the same,
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by name. Refrain

The shepherds at these tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind,
And went to Bethlehem straightway
This blessed Babe to find. Refrain

But when to Bethlehem they came,
Whereat this Infant lay,
They found him in a manger
Where oxen fed on hay;
His mother Mary, kneeling,
Unto the Lord did pray. Refrain

Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace.
The holy tide of Christmas
All others doth efface. Refrain

Come to Bethlehem - 11

On Christmas night all Christians sing,
To hear the news the angels bring;
On Christmas night all Christians sing,
To hear the news the angels bring:
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our merciful King’s birth.

Then why should men on earth be sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad:
Then why should we on earth be sad,
Since our Redeemer made us glad:
When from our sin He set us free,
All for to gain our liberty.

When sin departs before Your grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
When sin departs before Your grace,
Then life and health come in its place;
Angels and men with joy may sing,
All for to see the newborn King.

All out of darkness we have light
Which made the angels sing this night;
All out of darkness we have light
Which made the angels sing this night:
“Glory to God and peace to men,
Now and forevermore. Amen.”

Come to Bethlehem - 10

Once in royal David's city
stood a lowly cattle shed,
where a mother laid her baby
in a manger for his bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little child.

He came down to earth from heaven,
who is God and Lord of all,
and his shelter was a stable,
and his cradle was a stall;
with the poor, and mean, and lowly,
lived on earth our Saviour holy.

And, through all his wondrous childhood,
he would honour and obey,
love and watch the lowly maiden
in whose gentle arms he lay:
Christian children all must be
mild, obedient, good as he.

For he is our childhood's pattern,
day by day like us he grew;
he was little, weak and helpless,
tears and smiles like us he knew.
and he feeleth for our sadness,
and he shareth in our gladness.

And our eyes at last shall see him,
through his own redeeming love;
for that Child who seemed so helpless
is our Lord in heaven above;
and he leads his children on
to the place where he is gone.

Not in that poor lowly stable,
with the oxen standing round,
we shall see him; but in heaven,
set at God's right hand on high;
when like stars his children crowned,
all in white shall wait around.

Come to Bethlehem - 9

Now the holly bears a berry as white as the milk
And Mary bore Jesus, who was wrapped up in silk.

Refrain: And Mary bore Jesus Christ our Saviour for to be
And the first tree in the greenwood, it was the holly.
And the first tree in the greenwood it was the holly.


Now the holly bears a berry as green as the grass
And Mary bore Jesus, who died on the cross.


Refrain

Now the holly bears a berry as black as the coal
And Mary bore Jesus, who died for us all.


Refrain

Now the holly bears a berry as blood is it red
Then trust we our Saviour who rose from the dead.

Refrain

Come to Bethlehem - 8

See amid the winter’s snow,
Born for us on earth below,
See, the tender Lamb appears,
Promised from eternal years.

Refrain

Hail that ever blessèd morn,
Hail redemption’s happy dawn,
Sing through all Jerusalem:
Christ is born in Bethlehem.

Lo, within a manger lies
He Who built the starry skies;
He Who, thronèd in height sublime,
Sits amid the cherubim.

Refrain

Say, you holy shepherds, say,
Tell your joyful news today.
Why have you now left your sheep
On the lonely mountain steep?

Refrain

“As we watched at dead of night,
Lo, we saw a wondrous light;
Angels singing ‘Peace on earth’
Told us of the Saviour’s birth.”

Refrain

Sacred Infant, all divine,
What a tender love was Thine,
Thus to come from highest bliss
Down to such a world as this.

Refrain

Teach, O teach us, holy Child,
By Thy face so meek and mild,
Teach us to resemble Thee,
In Thy sweet humility.

Refrain



Happy New Year!