Displaying items by tag: Christmas carol

Cambridge United Football Club, inspired by Baptist minister and fan Simon Cragg, has introduced an official club carol titled 'United at Christmas' to connect football enthusiasts with the teachings of Jesus. This unique carol was a highlight of a 1,000-person carol service at Abbey Stadium, attended by players, staff, and fans. It was also featured at halftime during the club’s FA Cup match against Fleetwood. The lyrics of 'United at Christmas' use football-related imagery to convey themes of love, hope, and peace, and include references to the club's nickname and historical Christian narratives. Club director Graham Daniels, a former player and head of Christians in Sport, noted the growing openness to faith in football. He credits past Christian footballers like Gavin Peacock and Cyril Regis for setting strong examples of faith in the sport, leading to a cultural shift where being a devout Christian and a professional footballer is respected.

The headteacher of a London primary school ruled that children should sing ‘baby boy Jesus’, not ‘little Lord Jesus’ in the carol Away in a manger (so that pupils of all beliefs could join in). Children also sang edited versions of modern hymns at a carol service and nativity at a nearby church. Margarita, whose children attend the school, said: ‘As a family we go to church, pray together, and celebrate Christmas as the birth of Jesus the Son of God. If he was just a baby boy named Jesus, there wouldn't be a celebration in the first place. He is our Lord and Saviour and King of all Kings - that's the whole point.’