The Sleepy Shepherd: A Timeless Retelling of the Christmas Story

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An atmospheric, candlelit procession and carol service for all the family based on the traditional Swedish Lucia celebration (York Anglo-Scandinavian Society). This collection of productions covers a variety of age ranges, hence different primary school age groups and early years pupils are all catered for. Experience sumptuous harmonies in an idyllic, festive setting. Hear timeless classics as well as delightful medleys to evoke the Christmas spirit. Busy, Busy Bethlehem is a simple and effective nursery nativity play written by Niki Davies. It tells the Christmas story from a new perspective – that of a busy Bethlehem soldier. 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.

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. In August, we’ll be publishing The Shepherd Who Couldn’t Sing by Alan Barker and The Sleepy Shepherd by Stephen Cottrell, both children’s Christmas stories. Both authors have taken this well-known and beloved story and made it special for children, each in their own way. 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."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?

A time of busyness, anticipation and hope, the services, music and events at York Minster reflect the joy and poignancy of the Christmas story. 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. 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.

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 This means you can install our Words on Screen™ software onto ONE computer only, or it can be streamed by a single user. Flexibility to create an expandable library of Words on Screen™ song collections, nativities and musicals in your Out of the Ark online account 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.

Explore Christmas trees beautifully decorated to individual themes in the stunning Chapter House and the Lady Chapel. Free with general admission.Busy, Busy Bethlehem includes seven memorable songs and a charming narrative that will really bring the Christmas story to life for young children. York Minster’s Advent and Christmas highlights are set out below (for full details go to www.yorkminster.org or telephone 01904 557200). 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. Christmas Day worship at York Minster with the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell and the Choir of York Minster (livestream available). The Sleepy Shepherd is an enchanting Christmas tale for children aged 5-7 that tells the story of Silas, who as a boy is so dozy that he completely misses the visit of the angels and the chance to greet the Christ-child in Bethlehem. But one crucial night, years later, he makes an important decision – to be a real shepherd to a man whose friends have all fallen asleep.