Christmas Songs of Praise

As we get ready for Christmas some of the congregation have chosen a carol and written a few words. Thanks to all those who contributed. Join in the signing!

Sue & Martin Farrar have chosen Ding Dong Merrily on High.
“We’d like to introduce you to our friend, Sue Fink’s choir, Angel City Chorale from Los Angeles performing this carol. Their version is particularly special for us. The choir’s mission is to ‘Build Community One Song at a Time’. Last December, we travelled to LA to hear the choir live in concert and were also able to go on a mini tour with them around various homeless / care-home locations as, through their singing, they shared joy and laughter with the residents. Listening to Angel City Chorale has helped both Martin and I deal with the difficulties and challenges of the Covid 19 Pandemic. We hope that you all too, by listening to their joyful and uplifting singing, may escape the problems of this world as you experience the Joy, Hope and Love of Christmas.”

Sally Watt has chosen O Holy Night.
“I have chosen O Holy Night. Not one we often get the chance to sing as so appropriate to Christmas Eve/Day. But I feel it so captures the whole essence of what Christmas is really about. I love this version of it, think it is beautifully sung and love the addition of the harp music.”

Kate Wheaton has chosen O Little Town of Bethlehem.
“I sang it solo aged 5 in Longrow Parish Church in Campbelltown, where my father was the minister. I don’t remember being too nervous but I do remember that my voice was so small in such a vast space that I could barely hear myself sing. I like this version from Kings College Cambridge.”

Eileen Harper and Mrs Fairley have both chosen In the Bleak Mid Winter!
Eileen says, “Choose your favourite carol …. I have so many. Music often reminds me of people or times past and particularly carols touch my memory. Down through the years different carols have been my favourites for different reasons. I cannot sing Hark the Herald Angels without thinking of my father who knew and believed every word. But the one I would like to choose this time is In the Bleak Midwinter which I love for its poetry, its tune and that last stanza – ‘what can I give him, poor as I am ….. what I can I give him, give my heart’. In the hurly burly of Christmas, this carol stops me in my tracks and reminds me of what Christmas is all about.”

Mrs Fairley says, “I was brought up to Sunday School, Church and Bible Class then choir at Coylton Parish Church in Ayrshire. Our minister the Rev A.E.Hart, well up in years, had married into a local family of really good singers and organists. Mina his new wife had a beautiful strong contralto voice. Jim had recently become our church organist and asked Mr.Hart if a Christmas Midnight Eve Service could be reinstated (lapsed because of the war years) and session agreed so decisions regarding music were duly made. Mina had the solo “In the bleak midwinter” and we were all keyed up. Our house was about 200 yards from the church and we couldn’t believe how busy the pavements were en route for the service that night. As you can imagine, Jim was chuffed to look around him as he began playing—great turn out. Mina’s voice and this carol have stayed in my head all  those years, for the hairs on my head did stand up! It brings back so many memories.

(Jim was Mrs.Fairlie’s husband and our organist for a many years)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PXcxRJi1O64

Kate Wheaton also chose O Come O Come Emmanuel.
“I just love it. The words, but particularly the music which has a hint of Gregorian chant about it.”

June Weatherup has chosen The Calypso Carol – See him Lying on a Bed of Straw.
“Christmas reminds me so much of the happy times growing up as a child.  I love to see the excitement on the children’s faces and children around the world delighting in the story  of the baby Jesus which symbolizes the true meaning of Christmas. I have chosen “The Calypso Carol – See him lying on a bed of straw” which can be sung joyfully by young and old alike.”

Audrey Cowan has chosen O Holy Night sung by Kings College Choir.
“It is my favourite carol because it sums up Christmas completely. Not only does it have a melody that vibrates through you and makes the hair on the back of your neck stand on end but the lyrics are truly beautiful. It is probably the only carol I never tire of and it moves me so much that I have to shut my eyes while listening to it for fear of some worldly interruption. It moves me to tears annually and I love that.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qrUB9AEnnEc

If you have enjoyed this – watch the previous Songs of Praise.