The Power of Music

The single, a new carol version of 'In the Bleak Midwinter' by one of the country’s top young composers, Rebecca Dale, will form the soundtrack to this year’s Church of England Christmas campaign.

The Church of England has worked with the popular UK classical music station Classic FM to develop the piece, and host, Alexander Armstrong, will give the new carol its radio premiere on his show later in December. 

Speaking about the single, Rebecca said: 

“Although In the Bleak Midwinter is a poem which was written nearly 150 years ago, it has a timeless mystery and is wonderfully evocative of a journey from the wintery landscape to the stable and the heart of the nativity story.

“I have long wanted to set this text, and so when the Church of England asked me to be involved in this project, this was my very first thought. I hope people will enjoy the setting and that it helps connect them with the amazing story which is at the heart of Christmas.”

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said:

“At Christmas, God becomes human. His heart beats. As a frail child in a cold manger, he takes his first breaths on this earth. We often dress this time of year up, adding all the trimmings."

“These things are wonderful, but they are not the heart of Christmas. The only thing that makes Christmas perfect is Jesus, who sees, loves and welcomes all. The message of this carol is that the only thing we need to give him and each other is our hearts – our very own selves.

Wherever and whoever you are, you too are welcome and invited this Christmas, to worship the child, the God, whose heart beats for you.”

Singing carols is a beloved Christmas tradition for so many – so we’re really excited for the Church of England’s first ever Christmas single. The single will be released on all streaming platforms from Wednesday 1st December. Listen here!