Talk for "Carols on the Playground" Hartford School 15DEC25

"The Message of Christmas for the World to hear"

It’s great to be here on the playground tonight
Thanks all for coming on a cold murky night.

It’s good to hear carols sang so beautifully
And all topped & tailed by our own Mrs Lee.

If you’re from Hartford please give us a cheer…
And those from St Peters are you anywhere near…?

You sang Little Donkey - and turning down lights,
Away in a Manger for cold winter nights.

But there’s just one carol that pricked up my ear
“The message of Christmas (for) the world to hear”?

What is this great message, what does it all mean?
What lies behind Christmas and gives it its sheen?

What is the great key that can turn sadness to joy
for adults and kids- every girl and each boy?

Children like Evan and Devon, and Bevan
The kid in year four who keeps shouting “six seven”?!

I guess it’s the presents, is that where it’s at?
Stockings from Santa and stuff just like that?

You could get a phone or a bike or some jumpers
Or even a toy from K-Pop Demon Hunters!

The trouble with them is they just never last
your gadget soon turns to a thing of the past.

The plastic toys soon to be opened with glee
Will soon be en route to the landfill you see.

So if it’s not presents, it must be the food?
Is that going to help us to pump up the mood?

Turkey and trimmings with Nan and the cat
And uncle Jim snoring, still wearing his hat.

You eat and you drink and you have a good laugh
But something’s still missing on my Christmas graph.

So is it tradition, like King Charles’ speech
Or just “doing church” to hear folks like me preach?

Perhaps we’d feel fine if we did lots of charity
Giving our dosh, does it bring conscience clarity?

No- that’s not it, let’s go back to the start.
To find the true glory to warm up our heart.

Christmas is not about mistletoe kissing
It’s something much greater we may have been missing.

It’s not about TV or tinsel or snow
But news of a baby born long long ago.

A baby who’s God, hand to us outstretched,
The eyewitnesses tell us it’s facts not far-fetched.

These things are all true they’re not myths, they’re not mystery.
The Shepherds and wise men they’re actually history.

The baby that came, do you know what’s behind it?
It’s actually love, God’s very kind mindset.

But for the good news, you first must hear the bad
The truth is we’re rebels, we make our God mad.

The reason the planet’s not as it should be
Is not global warming, it’s sin don’t you see?

I fight with my loved ones, I get really mad
It’s selfishness coming from hearts that are bad.

We all will one day, young or old meet our maker
It’s go-ing to happen, whether sooner or later

But rather than coming to give us our due
He came bringing peace and bright hope. Who knew!?

This boy is a King, he’s Gods Son, he’s the boss
Yet he used his great power to die on a cross.

He died in a swap, taking wrath in our place
If you’ll only receive it, he gives you his grace.

The message is not “please try harder, do better”,
The Bible’s more like a delightful love letter.

Christmas spells freedom and hope ever after
It’s much more like dancing or wonderful laughter

So why not this year when you feel all the stressing,
Stop and receive God’s wonderful blessing.

Get to know Jesus, turn around, ask him in.
To be your great Lord and your rescue from sin.

Go back to the fact that King Jesus is for you
Turn to him, say a prayer, he’ll never ignore you!

Well, thank you for listening so patiently,
I made up this poem without ChatGPT.

If you want to know more, come to church, come and chat
I really don’t bite, like a dog or a cat.

Remember the news that so wonderfully frees us,
“The  message of Christmas” is really King Jesus! 

Charlie Newcombe 15DEC25