Nativity Rhymes

(The Nativity Story told in Nursery Rhymes.)

Come with us now to Bethlehem
To the tune of 'Ride a cock horse to Banbury Cross'

Come with us now to Bethlehem, You'll
See a young lady ride on a grey mule.
With Joseph beside her and
Dust on her clothes
The Child that she's carrying
Everyone knows


There was an Inn-keeper in Bethlehem..
To the tune(?) of 'There was an Old Woman who lived in a shoe'

There was an Inn-keeper in Bethlehem, who
Had so many visitors he didn't know what to do
When Mary and Joseph came knocking he said
"I've only a stable and some straw for your bed"


While Shepherds were watching
To the tune of 'Girls and Boys Come out to Play'

While Shepherds were watching their flocks, they say,
An Angel appeared as bright as day.
"Leave your fire and your flocks", he said,
"Your Saviour is born in a cattle shed".

"You bring a lamb
And I'll pick a Flower,
And we'll go and visit in half an hour".


Three Wise Men
To the tune of 'Three Blind Mice'

Three wise men
Three wise men
See now they come
See now they come

One with Frankincense
One with Myrrh
One with Gold for the King of the earth
The Gifts they are bringing are for a Saviour
They're three wise men!


Twinkle, twinkle
To the tune of 'Twinkle, twinkle, Little Star'

Twinkle, twinkle, Holy Star
Wise Men saw you from afar
Would not know which way to go
If you hadn't sparkled so.
Twinkle, twinkle Holy Star
Wise men saw you from afar.


Hush-a-by Jesus
To the tune of 'Hush-a-by Baby'

Hush-a-by Jesus
There in your cot
When you grow older
You'll pick up a cross
Your body will break
And old Satan will fall
And the way will be open
To New Life for all.


Jump up and Worship
To the tune of 'Pop goes the weasel'.

Half a pound of frankincense
Gold and myrrh they brought Him
Wise men still bring gifts of Praise!
(clap, clap,)
Jump up and worship.

Up and down the aisles we go
Hey diddle diddle
That's the way our story goes!
(clap, clap)
Jump up and Worship.

Every day when I wake up
I know that Jesus loves me
What is more, well - I love Him!
(clap, clap)
Jump up and Worship.

Up and down...

I hope these songs have brought to you
At least a little giggle
But more than that I hope that you'll
(clap, clap)
Jump up and worship

Up and down....

That's the way our story goes
(clap, clap, clap, clap)
Jump up and worship!

Alternative Verse to .... (Song)

'I could sing of your love forever (Over the Mountains and the Sea)' by Delirious?.

Every time I'm feeling down
Your love will always be around.
You lift me up out of the pit
And set my feet on solid ground.

I never want to be the way
I was before that fateful day
You came into my life and washed my sins away!

I could sing of your love forever....

Shouts of Glory, Glory! (Song)

(A Marching Song)

He is a great and mighty warrior
Building an army fit for war
And as he joins into the battle
Banners of Victory go before
With shouts of Glory, Glory!
With shouts of Glory, Glory!
With shouts of Glory, Glory!

He's riding on a pure white stallion,
A two edged sword is in His hand.
His Word is true and will not faulter,
The time has come to take the land
With shouts of Glory, Glory!
With shouts of Glory, Glory!
With shouts of Glory, Glory!

His voice is like the sound of thunder
Calling to all those who have ears,
"Be Bold, Be Strong, Be Pure, Be Holy"
For soon Lord Jesus will appear
With shouts of Glory, Glory!
With shouts of Glory, Glory!
With shouts of Glory, Glory!

What is Man? (Sketch)

(Written a long time ago, but re-written to perform at the Royston May Fayre. Thanks to Colin Boyd for some ad-libs which I've included here!)

Mike: Hello everyone. We’re here from Trinity Life Church to tell you something very important; something that has changed the lives of millions of people all over the world and … and … and (collapses into a limp bow)

Tim: (curiously moving toward Mike) Mike… Mike! Are you okay? (looks him over) Hmm… This is interesting… I told him he shouldn’t have missed lunch! You know I’ve been taught that humans evolved from Apes. I’ve got a banana here, so perhaps that will help. (pushes the banana in Mike’s Face.) Mike? Oh dear… That didn’t work! Um: Never mind (walks off)

Colin: (coming quickly on as Tim departs) Hey! You can’t leave him like that. (looks Mike over) Mike? This is strange. You know, I’ve been told that man is nothing more than a machine. Perhaps he needs some fuel!. (picks up a 'petrol' can and looks for a place to pour it. considers from behind, then changes his mind: pulls at his ear) What’s this ear? (pours 'petrol' in Mike’s ear.) Now… Where do you start the motor? (considers) Maybe a kick start! (goes to kick Mike, but changes his mind) Nope. I don’t know. Oh well… (walks off)

Lorraine: (walks up to Mike as Colin leaves) What’s this? Mike? Are you okay? (checks forehead and pulse) Nothing obviously wrong with him. Well, I’ve no idea what the matter is, but I believe that Human’s were created in the image of God - so I’ll ask Him! (lays hand on Mike’s back and prays).

Mike: (recovers slowly with a shout) HHHAAALLLEELUJAH!!!!! Thanks Lorraine. That’s exactly what I needed! Now where was I. Oh yes: We have something very important to tell you:
You are not an animal:
You are not a machine:
You were created in the image of a living God that loves you and if you would like to know more about Him, we’d love to talk to you! (as an aside as they both leave) Can anyone else smell petrol? And why do I have the taste of banana on my lips? How strange….


End

The sun in your eyes (Song and Sketch)

The sun in your eyes is yellow,
Until you close them, then it's green -
And the pictures in your mind are sometimes clearer,
Than reality ever seems.

And the pictures in your mind they go around, around
And the pictures in your mind they go around. (Twice)


There once came a Man who was walking
Among the people that He knew,
But their eyes were closed and the things He said
Were to open just a few.

But the words that He said are still around, around
But the words that He said are still around. (Twice)


And while their eyes were still closed
They nailed Him to a tree,
But He rose again on the third day
And he set all captives free!

And the blood that He shed is still around, around
And the blood that He shed is still around. (Twice)


(The music continues: Four people walk on and form a line. They crouch down and close their eyes. 'Jesus' walks up behind them and touches two on the shoulder, at the same time. They put their hand up to his, open their eyes, rise together and all lift their hands up. They all three walk backwards a few paces and stop. They lower their arms and let go of each others hands, then 'Jesus' walks forwards again and touches the other two on the shoulder. These two reach for his hand, rise, do not open their eyes but hold his arms out and act as though hammering nails into his palms. They then return to the crouching position whilst 'Jesus' hangs there, arms outstretched. The back two then come forward and, putting their heads under his arms, take him 'down' and drag him back to their former position. Turning inwards so that their backs are to the audience, they lower 'Jesus' to the ground, where he crouches behind them. The singer then continues)


And the morel of this story
Is quite clear - If you would believe,
Just open your eyes and see Jesus Christ
And the Truth will set you free!


(The music continues as the two actors at the back turn outward again and Jesus stands at the same time. He walks between them to the front two and touches their shoulder a second time. This time they open their eyes, and turn, but then cover their eyes with their other arms and turn their head away. Jesus takes their free hand and pulls them up. As they rise they turn to look at him and then slowly bow to one knee and also bow their heads. As they are doing this 'Jesus' and the other two at the back, lift their hands up at the same time. they hold this position until the music ends. Five count. Front two rise, as back two come forward to make a line. All bow to the front, then file off together.)

When I feel (Song)

When I feel the warmth of your arms around me,
When I feel the touch of your hand,
When I hear your voice saying how you love me,
Then I know that you understand,

And I can feel the way you feel about me;
Feel how much you care;
Feel the way you feel about me,
And I know you'll always be there;
And I know you'll always be there.

Oh Lord when things go wrong,
Let me hear your voice.
Oh Lord when things go wrong,
Let me hear the sound of your voice;
Let me hear the sound of your voice...