Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Twinkle Twinkle Christmas Star / We know that Jesus came at Christmas

Come Christmas season churches enjoy the interest of people who are not especially regular attenders. Many of these folks are unprepared for a new Christmas repertoire, expecting instead to be singing the oldest of carols.

One of the limitations of the older carols is inaccessibility where young children are concerned. Apart from one or two of the best known ones, the text of these centuries old songs is simply too difficult to read, let alone understand. Contemporary songs, on the other hand, may prove a simpler reading exercise, but the tune may be unfamiliar. Too often participation is hindered.

By using a very familiar tune, and apply seasonal words, songs can become accessible to young children and non-readers alike. Try these two on for size. Twinkle twinkle Christmas star is intended for pre-school children, while We know that Jesus came at Christmas may appeal to 6-12 year old children.

Twinkle twinkle Christmas Star.
Its familiar tune is copyright free (thanks to a young Mozart), and universally recognised.

We know that Jesus came at Christmas
This is set to the tune of See ya later Alligator, by Bill Haley and The Comets from the rockin' 50s.

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3 comments:

Taizefreak said...

nice one Lucy! Just sent 'We know that Jesus Came at Christmas'to our band leaders to see if they want to use it this year.

Craig said...

hi lucy! totally unrelated. my advent song here:

http://craigmitchell.typepad.com/mountain_masala/files/oh_god_today_band.mp3

http://craigmitchell.typepad.com/mountain_masala/files/Oh%20God%20Today%20Music%20Lyrics.pdf

shameless self promotion!

hope you're all well!

Craig

Lucy Graham said...

Hey Taize freak,
It's a fun one. I hope it proves to be helpful.
Lucy