2011 On Christmas Night

And it came to pass in those days

that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus

that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee,

out of the city of Nazareth into Judea

unto the city Of David which is called Bethlehem,

because he was of the house and lineage of David,

to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife being great with child.

And so it was that while they were there,

the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her first-born son

and wrapped him in swaddling clothes

and laid him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were, in the same country, shepherds abiding in the field,

keeping watch over their flock by night.

And lo,

the Angel of the Lord came upon them

and the glory of the Lord shone round about them

and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them,

"Fear not, for behold,

"I bring you good tidings of great joy

"which shall be to all people.

"For unto you is born this day,

"in the city of David, a saviour which is Christ the Lord."

"And this shall be a sign unto you -

"ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes

"lying in a manger."

CHOIR: # 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

# Angels and archangels

# May have gathered there

# Cherubim and seraphim

# Thronged the air

# But only His mother

# 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. #