The Sleepy Shepherd: A Timeless Retelling of the Christmas Story

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Extractable MP3s, printable lyrics, scores, scripts (including editable script*)& additional resources

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. A time of busyness, anticipation and hope, the services, music and events at York Minster reflect the joy and poignancy of the Christmas story. Experience the Minster’s first Christmas Tree Festival set in the cathedral’s grounds. The new festival will take place in a festive marquee by the South Piazza and feature around 40 trees decorated by local businesses, schools and charities.

Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting. Hear timeless classics as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit. 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.

Some of the best children’s stories are retellings of stories that we all know and love. They have appeal all year round, and can be read in any season. Part of why we revisit these stories again and again – and we pass them down through generations – is that they never lose their wisdom or relevance. Make it a Christmas to remember with a special screening of this family favourite accompanied by a live orchestra. 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).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. Mark the opening of the York Minster Christmas Tree Festival with craft activities and a short service for all the family. 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."

Explore Christmas trees beautifully decorated to individual themes in the stunning Chapter House and the Lady Chapel. Free with general admission. 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. 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. 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 learnThis means you can install our Words on Screen™ software onto ONE computer only, or it can be streamed by a single user. York Minster’s Advent and Christmas highlights are set out below (for full details go to www.yorkminster.org or telephone 01904 557200).