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