TRACK LIST and Notes on the Songs

1. HOW FAR TO BETHLEHEM? Also known as the "Children's Nativity Carol'. The Nativity, seen through the eyes of children as they approach Bethlehem for a visit to the stable.

2. VIOLET IN THE SNOW - One of the more enduring of contemporary carols. "When it all began, God was so very far away...".

3. COME LOVE CAROLING -

TRACK LIST and Notes on the Songs

1. HOW FAR TO BETHLEHEM? Also known as the "Children's Nativity Carol'. The Nativity, seen through the eyes of children as they approach Bethlehem for a visit to the stable.

2. VIOLET IN THE SNOW - One of the more enduring of contemporary carols. "When it all began, God was so very far away...".

3. COME LOVE CAROLING - Sydney Carter's simple yet profound song about Mary, carrying the baby within her, pondering: "I wonder at the Maker who can be before the world and yet a child of me."

4. DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR? The message of the Saviour's birth is passed from the humble to the high and mighty.

5. CHRISTMAS WHERE THE GUM TREES GROW - A delightful Australian Christmas Carol by Lesley Davies: "Christmas in Australia's hot, cold and frosty's what it's not."

6. CHILD OF THE MORNING - A little known traditional carol. "Brightest and best is the Child of the Morning - dawn on our darkness".

7. AT CHRISTMAS (GOD BECAME LIKE US) - Based on a poem by a 12 year old child and set to music by Peter Kearney.

8. MARY'S SONG (THE MAGNIFICAT) - Peter's musical setting of Mary's powerful words. A new recording - Claire Parkhill sings with her daughter Felicity.

9. THE FOURTH WISE MAN - A brilliant, entertaining poem written by Dermot Dorgan.

10. CHRISTMAS IN THE SCRUB - Leigh Newton's catchy song pictures the Australian animals celebrating the birth of God.

11. THE VIRGIN MARY HAD A BABY BOY - A West Indian carol with an infectious beat.

12. THE CHRIST CHILD LAY - Lovely lyrics by the famous English writer G.K. Chesterton, set to music by Peter Kearney.

13. THE TINSEL FROM OUR EYES - "Let us take the tinsel from our eyes- see the kind of day this could be". Written by Peter Kearney.

14. THE TENDEREST TIME - Christmas can be a painful, lonely time for some. A thoughtful ballad by Peter Kearney.

15. STANDING IN THE RAIN - A challenging song by Sydney Carter about Joseph and Mary seeking shelter in Bethlehem. No room at the inn.

16. REFUGEE CAROL - The Holy Family as refugees fleeing to Egypt to escape the merciless Herod.

17. TWO THOUSAND YEARS AWAY - Another thought provoking song by Sydney Carter. A dialogue in song.

18. BREAD AND FISHES - Picturing Joseph, Mary and Jesus as they travel through the world and though the ages. "We have bread and fishes and a jug of red wine to share on our journey with all humankind.

COMMENTS: "Beautiful and fresh ... unlike any other Christmas collection."

"The Christmas album is especially magical. Many thanks.”

"An interesting reflection - how far to Bethlehem? Have we made any progress in comprehending the magnitude of the Incarnation?"