Every Advent brings its own magic, but CSMC Junior Church has gifted something truly special: “The animal nativity”, a spirited hymn penned by our 6 to 10-year-olds under the encouragement of Rev Jenny.
A hymn with heart and hooves
Set to the familiar tune Antioch—known to many as “Joy to the World”—this hymn weaves together the voices of childhood and the timeless story of Christ’s birth. Verse by verse, we meet:
- the donkey, braying with purpose: “I’ve got a heavy load / I’m on my way to Bethlehem…”
- the sheep, bleating in wonder: “An angel came at night… To see a wondrous sight…”
- the camels, snorting under the star’s guidance: “We’re travelling from afar… Being guided by a star…”
- the cattle, mooing amid the care-warmed stall: “The manger’s full of straw… Open, open the stable door…”
- finally, all the creatures cheer: “A child is born for us… We’ll praise, we’ll praise the baby king…”
Each verse pulses with imagination, readily inviting young voices to step into the narrative.
