Christmas in the Shire

This inviting collection of carols is sure to be a family favorite and set a warm tone in your home.

Track 1: Christmas in the Shire Chris in the Shiree+e Play Now
Music: Robert D. Watson
Picture Christmas during an imaginary time in the past where the best of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance are joined in one perennially happy culture. The lords and ladies solemnly take their place for the ceremony; the peasants sing and dance with all their heart; and finally all join together in noble, humble praise of the Christ Child.

Track 2: I Saw Three Ships I saw three I Saw Three ShPlay Now
Words and traditional music: From Derbyshire
This Scottish favorite pleased the refined and the illiterate. Versions are traced back to the sixteenth century.

Track 3: O’er the Solemn Hush of Midnight O’er the on Play Now
Words and music: J Geddes Maxwell 1954 NY G Schirmer Inc. Sole Agent USA
“Praise God in Heaven! Peace on Earth to Everyone who pleases God” Luke 2:14 cev

Track 4: Once in Royal David’s City Once i R oyalOnce Play Now
Words: Mrs. C.F. Humphreys Alexander, 1848 music: “Irby,” Henry John Gauntlett, 1849
Mrs. Alexander was married to Archbishop William Alexander of Derry Ireland. Her god-children thought
their bible lessons boring. Her response to their complaint was this precious hymn.

Track 5: The Hills are Bare in Bethlehem middlesidebar The Hils are Play Now
Early American hymn 1895: Arrangement: Rob and Carolee
is a time for coming home. However the story of Christmas, tells of dislocation and relocation.
Joseph and Mary leave Galilee, the shepherds leave their flocks and fields, the wise men follow a star, to
distant lands, in search of the baby King. God leads the holy family to flee from Bethlehem and begin a new life
in Egypt, escaping Herods wrath. Matthew 2: 1-15

Track 6: On This Day the Earth Shall Ring On this dayPlay Now
Words and music: “Piae Cantiones” 1582 Jane M. Joseph c 1894-1929 Additional lyrics: Carolee Mayne
Both festive and thoughtful, the words are joyously framed. Peace and love he gave us, born on earth to save us!

Track 7: In Dulce Jubilo In Dulce Jubilo In Duce In Djj Play Now
Music: Robert Watson 1999
What went through the mind of angels when they filled the night sky? We know what they said, but how did they
feel? We are told that angels are capable of wonder, and in particular they are awed by God’s display of goodwill
toward mankind. They are fully aware that anything God does, he does in the grandest possible terms, and they
are full of love, admiration and expectation.

Track 8: We Three Kings We Three Kings We ThreeKPlay Now
Words and music: John Henry Hopkins Jr. 1857
The story of the magi is celebrated as an epiphany of the Lord. God revealed the identity of Jesus as the Messiah
and King of the Jews to these Magi who were Gentiles. In Luke 2:31 the prophet Simeon’s says that Jesus will be,
“A light of revelation to the Gentiles”. A fulfillment of his prophecy is celebrated in this song.

Christmas in the Shire is dedicated to Heather, Mike, Kenna amd Chaylee Pasley, Kirsten, James, James Kenlee,
Story and Rowen Wenlock. We love and treasure you. A warm acknowledgment to our family, friends and loved ones
at Christian Assembly, E.R.B.C, and extended family in Jamaica who encouraged us to release this project.

Credits
Orchestration and arrangements: Robert Dana Watson
Vocals and vocal arrangements: Carolee Mayne
All songs public domain except ”O’re the Solemn Hush of Midnight” by: J Geddes Maxwell
Guest vocal: Heather Pasley “We Three Kings”
Guest guitar: Randy Mitchell “On This Day”
Mixing and mastering: Randy Mitchell and Robert Watson
Recorded at the Aerie in Eagle Rock

Shipping Rate: F