The Sleepy Shepherd: A Timeless Retelling of the Christmas Story

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Busy, Busy Bethlehem includes seven memorable songs and a charming narrative that will really bring the Christmas story to life for young children. Archbishop Stephen said, "It is a great joy to invite children, parents and carers to come and listen to a Christmas story together. I have always loved the act of sitting down with my children, and now my grandson, and have thoroughly enjoyed the wide-eyed extravagant wonder of a tall tale."

This means you can install our Words on Screen™ software onto ONE computer only, or it can be streamed by a single user. Extractable MP3s, printable lyrics, scores, scripts (including editable script*)& additional resources What were your favourite books to read when you were little? Were there books that you read over and over again until you knew them by heart? Did your parents share stories with you that they loved when they were children? Which books did you always bring with you on holiday to read over the summer?Words on Screen™ versions of songs so that you can display song lyrics on any whiteboard, computer screen, television or interactive touchscreen. The lyrics synchronize with the music as it plays making them easy to teach and easy to learn Discover more about the Christmas story by exploring six activity stops hidden around the Minster. Families can follow a special trail with items to look at, touch, smell and discuss at each point. There will also be interpretation encouraging adult visitors to spend time reflecting on what each stop tells us about the Christmas story. Free with admission. York Minster’s Advent and Christmas highlights are set out below (for full details go to www.yorkminster.org or telephone 01904 557200).

To renew your Annual Peformance Licence, log into your account if you have one and go to your My Licences section. Flexibility to create an expandable library of Words on Screen™ song collections, nativities and musicals in your Out of the Ark online account Archbishop Stephen said, “I have always loved the act of sitting down with my children and enjoying the wide-eyed extravagant wonder of a tall tale. We all have imagination but, like every other muscle, it needs exercising. A time of busyness, anticipation and hope, the services, music and events at York Minster reflect the joy and poignancy of the Christmas story. Bethlehem is busy, busy, busy with preparations for the day of the approaching census. Watching the excitement and directing the crowds is a little soldier sent to Bethlehem by Caesar Augustus. He loves to organise everybody and thinks that nothing could be more important than being in charge.The Winter Village at York Minster brings the best of both location and local produce to this brand new event. Situated at the foot of the majestic South Door of York Minster, The Winter Village comprises several decorative wooden cabins offering food, drinks, gifts and the perfect place to sit and admire the view. The Winter Village, which is being run in partnership with CMJ Events, will be open daily from 10am to 7pm. Entry is free. This collection of productions covers a variety of age ranges, hence different primary school age groups and early years pupils are all catered for. For the Very Revd Dominic Barrington, this will be his first experience of Advent and Christmas at York Minster since his installation as the 77th Dean of York last month. Dominic said: “At this very special time of year, we reflect on the heart-stopping vulnerability of the Holy family seeking a safe place for the birth of Jesus Christ. I look forward to welcoming you to York Minster - in person or from home via livestream - to celebrate the miracle and joy of Jesus’s birth.” A current Annual Performance Licence is required to perform a musical or nativity to an audience (other than to pupils & staff), including an online audience, and irrespective of whether admission charges are made. The Shepherd Who Couldn’t Sing is for children aged 4 to 6. It’s the story of a shepherd who is afraid to sing. He discovers his voice when he meets an angel choir. It’s an illustrated story for parents and grandparents to share with their children and grandchildren.

Visitors can vote for their favourite tree in the ‘best dressed tree’ competition and visit the activity marquee to write their own Christmas message on a tag to add to a tree there or inside the cathedral’s East End. Admission is free but donations are encouraged. No pre-booking required. Make it a Christmas to remember with a special screening of this family favourite accompanied by a live orchestra. Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting. Hear timeless classics as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit.Christmas Day worship at York Minster with the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell and the Choir of York Minster (livestream available). Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, will be in the children’s Christmas Activity tent in York Minster’s South Piazza from 10.45am on Saturday 4 December, to give a reading from his children’s book, The Sleepy Shepherd. There will also be the opportunity to buy a copy of the book and have it signed by the Archbishop. An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service for all the family based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration (York Anglo-Scandinavian Society).

So when Mary and Joseph arrive late, the little soldier is initially very cross, but something changes and he can't understand why. He forgets all about organising - could it be because a very special baby is about to be born?This annual favourite in the stunning Nave of York Minster will also include the Chapter House Choir, traditional choral items and festive music performed by the Handbell Ringers of the Chapter House Choir. The book reading will take place inside York Minster, at the Lady Chapel – please enter at the main entrance by the West Doors. The Lady Chapel will be adorned with Christmas trees decorated by local charities and organisations as part of York Minster’s second Christmas Tree Festival. Mark the opening of the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival with craft activities and a short service for all the family. The Revd Richard Coles, author, broadcaster and presenter, is the reader for this year’s concerts featuring festive carols, readings and poetry. Music by the Choir of York Minster.