Sweet Bells

Getting a few decorations together on a humdrum day (Albion match not much to write home about, though a draw suits me fine).

Here's a song from the South Yorkshire carolling tradition that doesn't require any serious preamble, given that its only real themes are shepherds, angels and bells. Performed by Kate Rusby.


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

Sweet Bells, sweet chiming Christmas bells
Sweet Bells, sweet chiming Christmas bells
They cheer us on our heavenly way, sweet chiming bells.

"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread,
Had seized their troubled minds,
"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.
The Saviour who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign."

"All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth, the earth be peace,
Goodwill henceforth from heaven to men,
Begin and never cease."