THE COMING OF THE YEAR

The snow falls gently on the Down, 
The moon comes up above the town, 
The world stands wrapped in Christmas cheer -
The closing and the coming of the year. 

The time has passed, the time will come,
When old and new combine as one.

The family gathers by the fire 
To let the carols' warmth inspire 
The union of all, both far and near, 
The closing and the coming of the year. 

Let's shed a tear for those we mourn 
And hold one back for those unborn. 
We'll let it go and hold it dear -
The closing and the coming of the year. 

The time has passed, the time will come,
When old and new combine as one.

Keith Warner