This gorgeous and little-known song was written by Ray Charles, arranged by Peter Knight (of “Nights in White Satin” fame) and recorded by Karen and Richard Carpenter back in the 1970s. I’m amazed and pleased to find it in video form! In the middle of the holiday hustle, enjoy a moment of peace and serenity…
It is he, Christ who is born today
Hear him crying in the manger
King of Heaven, Son of God
Alleluia, Alleluia
There he lies, there with the lambkin
Only swaddle for his garment
With his Holy Mother Mary
Alleluia, Alleluia
Glory, Glory to almighty God
And on earth peace to all men
Hear the joyful angels singing
Alleluia, Alleluia
He is born, let us adore him
Christ the Lord, King of Kings
Prince of Peace for all the universe
Alleluia, Alleluia
~
Getting Started 
Peg, thank you abundantly for posting this most beautiful song. And the lyrics. Since our stores here no longer play “religious” Christmas music, and which is where I used to hear lots of songs I had forgotten, we are limited to our personal collections and what the radio offers. I have not heard this song in years and had, in fact, forgotten it existed. However, I now have it in my library thanks to your posting.
If you can find it, another beautiful one to share is Calypso Noel by Nat King Cole (or maybe Johnny Mathis?).
I pray your life is unfolding this season with peace and joy.
I’m glad you love it too — I am pleased to share it! Our church praise band spoils me every year by allowing me to sing lead on the song in church (stronger singers give me *lots* of backing!) I can’t hear it often enough.
BTW the song comes from an album called “Christmas Portrait” which is worth getting if you can find one. My copy is on vinyl (I still have a working turntable…!) but I’m pretty sure it was released on CD. Lots of gems on there. Karen’s love of Christmas shines through on every song.
re: Calypso Noel – is that the one that goes “Long time ago in Bethlehem, so the Holy Bible say, Mary’s boy child Jesus Christ was born on Christmas day…”?
My holiday is pretty typical so far… just turned in my last term paper of the semester this morning… now need to pay bills, clean the house, wrap presents, grocery shop, and plan music for the two Sundays after Christmas, all before 6PM on Thursday. I expect Dec 29 may be peaceful and restful… keep the prayers coming! 😉
Many Christmas blessings to you and yours too!
Thanks for the info on more of the music. I can imagine how much you must enjoy being able to sing the lead each year — especially with good back up! You are blessed. And I, too, still have vinyls. I love listening to them, as did my kids as they grew up. I’ve come to even love the scratches!
Concerning the song I shared, what you quoted is entitled “Mary’s Boy Child.” No, the song I am meaning is a Johnny Mathis song from the 50’s. It has a calypso beat and begins “Sing we Noel, sing we joyously noel.” It was very well known for many years during an era of Silver Bells, Winter Wonderland, and Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. However, it has been lain by the wayside by the cultural Powers that Be, probably, (to my cynical mind), because it is about the birth of Jesus, while the others named, being securlar, have endured. It is every bit as beautiful.
I pray you, too, have a blessed Christmas.