As I write, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, the biopic of Freddie Mercury – the former front man of the rock-band Queen – is riding high at the cinema. It follows Mercury’s life leading up to Queen’s Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium in 1985.

First released in late 1975, Bohemian Rhapsody was No:1 on the UK singles charts for nine weeks. Since then, it’s become the UK’s third highest selling single of all time (and, since this article was published, it is now the most streamed song of all time). For many, this is a defining song in their formative years – me included.  Everyone knows the song. However, a bit like Marmite: ‘you either love it or hate it!’

Just for a bit of fun this month, I’m posting some alternative lyrics (by American band Apologetix) which tell the Christmas story to the tune of Bohemian Rhapsody! So, if you’re up for a bit of a ‘head-banging-sing-a-long’ with family and friends, why not give this a go?  You could use this YouTube backing track to further heighten your enjoyment!

Is this the real birth? Is it nativity?
Caught in a census in the town of his ancestry.

Open your eyes, look up to the skies and see:
He’s just a poor boy foretold by prophecy.
Because the Wise Men come, Wise Men go,
Angels high, Shepherds low.
This is how God’s love shows.
It’s a wondrous story to me, to me.

Mary, just got the word.
The Angel did appear, but he told her not to fear.
Mary, now it’s just begun;
Your son is gonna wash our sins away.
Mary, oooh, the God who reigns on high
Has sent his son to you to die for all.

I see a little silhouette-o of a sheep.
Shepherds watch, Shepherds watch over there like the night time.
Angels shine like lightning, very, very frightening me!
Glory to God, Peace on Earth,
Glory to God, Peace on Earth!
Unto you is born this day, the only way!

I’m just a Shepherd nobody loves me.
He’s just a Shepherd from a poor family,
Angels said go to the stable and see.

Wise Men come, Wise Men go, will Herod let him live?
Hey Herod – No! he will not him live – better go!
Hey Herod – he will not him live – better go!
Hey Herod – he will not him live!
Better go, will not let him live!
Better go, will not let him live!
Better go – oh – oh – oh, go, go, go, go, go!

Oh, Mary Joseph! Mary Joseph! Mary Joseph better go …
To Egypt now, gotta save your son who came for me, for me, for me!

[head-banging music interlude]

So, you think that it’s just a tale of days long by?
But this child who was born went to Calvary to die!
Oh, Jesus! It’s the story of Jesus!
Wash our sins out! Wash our sins right out of here!

[head-banging music interlude]

Oooh, Jesus, Jesus, it’s a wondrous story, anyone can see.
Let’s give God the glory!
It’s a wondrous story to me …

This is how God’s love shows!

This Christmas, churches across Billericay offer a variety of services and events that remind us of this most wondrous story – you can find out what is taking place at Emmanuel here 

Even for those of you who have little, or no, faith in God: Carols, Candles and Nativity Plays are still an enjoyable part of the festive season.

It seems to me that the message: ‘This is how God’s love shows!’ from that first Christmas still holds something for each of us today – young and old alike. Do make time to celebrate in church over the next few weeks.

May I wish you a wonderful Christmas and pray God’s richest blessing on you, and your family and friends, this Christmas season and for all that a New Year will bring.

This is a copy of my article for the December 2018 edition of the Billericay ‘Around Town Magazine’