Once in bustling British cities,
Families face uncertain nights,
Struggling with the rising prices,
Seeking warmth in winter’s bite.
Yet through darkness, light shall beam,
From a child in Bethlehem.

Born amid the hope and hardship,
Jesus came to show the way.
In the bleakness and the struggle,
Love and faith can still hold sway.
Guiding hearts with humble might,
Bringing peace and endless light.

In our homes and in our cities,
Let us find the strength to share,
For the spirit of this season,
Calls us all to show we care.
In the face of fear and strife,
Christmas brings eternal life.

So, as families gather closely,
In the glow of festive cheer,
Let us not forget the message,
Christmas hope through all the year.
For the Christ child in the manger,
Still can guide us, still can save.

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13 of 25 Christmas carols with revised lyrics for Advent & Christmas Day reflections 2024, can be sung to the relevant tune.

Full disclosure, ChatGPT and Copilot have been utilised in the developing of this revised version of the Once in Royal David’s City which touches on current affairs with reference the cost of living and housing crisis in the UK while incorporating biblical references by or about Jesus (John 1:5, Luke 2:7, 11:29, John 3:16, Matthew 25:35-40). The hope is that, amidst the division and suffering, a message of peace, justice, hope and reconciliation remains.