The Spirit of Christmas - A carol

 

I write a satirical column for our church magazine. My motto comes from Desiderius Erasmus: "What is the matter with telling the truth with a smile?" I have just written this carol which, I hope, makes some serious points beneath the fun. The three characters have had their personalities developed over three decades but I think it is clear from their verses what their attitudes are. I hope some of you know "HMS Pinafore" and will be able to hum along, or even burst into song. 

A Trio for Christmas: Tune – “Never mind the why and wherefore” by Sir Arthur Sullivan (abridged)

 

Thumbscrew Widget:      Let’s give thanks for Christmas frolic, often very alcoholic,

    Twelve whole days of getting plastered going on through Hogmanay.

    Carol singing, bottles clinking, Christmas is a special day!

All:                                          Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary, and the Child.

 

Seth the Preacher:           There’s too much of Christmas frolic, often far too alcoholic

                                         Just commercial exploitation, all awash with gin and beer.

                                         It’s the Roman Saturnalia. Cromwell had the right idea!

All:                          BUT…..  Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary and the Child.

 

Parkin Slipshod:               All enjoy the Christmas frolic, whether dry or alcoholic.

                                          Kings or Shepherds – even Angels – mark the feast in your own way.

                                          Even if you don’t like turkey, Christmas is a special day.

All:                          SO…….. Celebrate the incarnation, boisterously or meek and mild.

                                                What a cause for celebration! Joseph, Mary and the Child.