There was a good bishop who lived long ago
 Canterbury Cathedral Photo: Anglican World used by permission |
There was a good bishop who lived long ago,
his memory is glorious, his legends are bold.
We call him Saint Nicholas, a servant of Christ,
who loved little children and taught what was right.
He is Father Christmas, and Santa Claus too.
He helped many people, the stories are true.
At Christmas he calls to us, both young and old,
To see that the story of Jesus is told.
The gifts that he brings us are signs of the love
That comes down at Christmas from heaven above.
We see Mother Mary, the babe in the stall,
With Joseph, the wise men and shepherds and all.
O blessed Saint Nik'las we hail you today.
The patron of many, to show us the way
To be good and generous, to help those in need,
To be kind to others in both word and deed.
Text: J M Rosenthal, 2002
Tune: ST. DENIO 11 11 11 11
Musical notation PDF
or REGENT SQUARE 87 87 87
Musical notation PDF
By the Lay Canon J M Rosenthal. Used by permission.
Mp3 files courtesy of Jennifer Wolfe and the Hope College Music Department.