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MP3 recording with vocals by Becki Madsen:
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CD:
If I Had Been in Bethlehem
MP3 piano track:
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CD:
If I Had Been in Bethlehem
View/print sheet music:
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Solo (Medium voice)
It's been a few years since I've written a "Christmas Card Carol," probably because (**blushes**) I haven't managed to send Christmas cards at all. It's not because I don't love all those wonderful folks on my list, but the sending of Christmas cards and letters requires both organization and time--two things I am sadly lacking. This year I'm going to try sending my Christmas greetings by e-mail, as I'm better with a computer than a pen. Most conveniently, this little lullaby sang itself to me at 4:30 one morning, and begged to be attached to just such an electronic greeting. (I suppose it's a bit pathetic to have lullabies going in your head at 4:30 in the morning, but my fellow early-morning Seminary teachers will understand.) Songs meant for little children's ears are usually fun to compose, and this one was no exception. You need not study for words of four syllables--simple language is best, and the melody can be as sweet as you care to make it. The artwork on this page was done by a wonderful woman, Illene Lussier, who attended our ward for several years before her death in 2004. The children in the picture are her grandchildren, dressed to portray the nativity, in 1985 when they were still youngsters. I was charmed by the picture (especially the sneakers!) and we schemed together to use it on a CD cover. Shortly thereafter she was killed in an automobile accident. The scheme was shelved until just recently when her daughter brought me the picture to scan. I've posted it with this lullaby for now, and next year I'll put it on a CD cover as we planned. With all my bests wishes for a wonderful holiday season, here is 2005's Christmas Card Carol. May your Christmas be filled with angel song. 
There was starlight round his cradle There was music on the air Mary knelt to hush her baby Joseph watched beside her there Chorus: Jesus lay in lowly manger Sent from God to be our King 'Twas for Him the star was gleaming And the angels came to sing There were cattle round his cradle Ox and lamb were standing nigh Softest hay became his pillow Angel song his lullaby (Repeat chorus) There were shepherds round his cradle Come to worship and adore There were wise men on their journey Led by heaven's brightest star (Repeat chorus) Heaven watches o'er each cradle O'er each cradle heaven smiles For the Lord of earth and heaven Was himself a little child Oh remember how that baby Came from God to be our King 'Twas for Him the star was gleaming And the angels came to sing |