A Song For The Time, also known as the Ecclesfield Carol

A song for the time when sweet bells chime

Calling for rich and poor
On that joyful morn, when Christ was born
On that holy Christmas Day

The Squire came forth from his rich old hall
And the peasants by two and by three
The woodman let his hatchet fall
And the shepherd left his tree

Through the churchyard snow in a goodly row
There came forth old and young
And with one consent in prayer they bent
And with one consent they sang

We’ll cherish it now at the time of strife
As a holy and peaceful thing
For it tells of His love coming down from above
And the peace He deigns to bring

In those good old days of prayer and praise
‘Twas a season of right goodwill
For they kept His birthday holy then
And we’ll keep it holy still

A song for the time when sweet bells chime
Calling for rich and poor
On that joyful morn, when Christ was born
On that holy Christmas Day

– Black Bull, Ecclesfield