The child is a king, the carolers sing
The old has passed, there's a new beginning
Dreams of Santa, dreams of snow
Fingers numb, faces aglow
It's Christmas time, mistletoe and wine
Children singing Christian rhyme
With logs on the fire and gifts on the tree
A time to rejoice in the good that we see
A time for living, a time for believing
A time for trusting, not deceiving
Love and laughter and joy ever after
Ours for the taking, just follow the master
Christmas time, mistletoe and wine
Children singing Christian rhyme
With logs on the fire and gifts on the tree
A time to rejoice in the good that we see
(Silent night holy night)
It's a time for giving, a time for getting
A time for forgiving, and for forgetting
Christmas is love, Christmas is peace
A time for hating and fighting to cease
Mistletoe and Wine
Mistletoe and Wine Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Cliff Richard's "Mistletoe and Wine" stands as one of the most enduring Christmas songs in the UK, achieving the coveted Christmas number one spot upon its release in 1988. Originally featured in a musical based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Little Match Girl," the song quickly transcended its origins to become a staple of the festive season. Its widespread appeal lies in its blend of traditional Christmas imagery with a clear articulation of the holiday's spiritual significance, resonating with audiences seeking both nostalgic comfort and a deeper meaning during this special time of year.
The lyrics paint a picture of a quintessential Christmas celebration, combining classic elements like carol singing, snow, warm fires, and gift-giving with the core Christian message. The opening lines immediately establish the central theme: the birth of Jesus, referenced as "The child is a king." This foundation underpins the subsequent verses that describe joyful human traditions and the virtues associated with the season. The repetition of "Christmas time, mistletoe and wine" anchors the song in familiar festive symbols, while phrases like "Children singing Christian rhyme" bridge the traditional and the spiritual aspects of the holiday, creating a sense of wholesome, family-centered celebration grounded in faith.
Beyond the festive scene-setting, the song acts as a gentle reminder of the positive human qualities that Christmas encourages. It lists virtues such as "living, believing, trusting," and importantly, "giving, forgiving, and for forgetting." This focus shifts the perspective from merely observing traditions to actively embodying the spirit of the season. The message culminates in a powerful statement: "Christmas is love, Christmas is peace, A time for hating and fighting to cease." This highlights the transformative potential of the Christmas message, advocating for reconciliation and goodwill among all.
The song's themes directly echo several key biblical passages related to Christmas and Christian life. The declaration "The child is a king" and the focus on his birth are central to the Nativity accounts found in the Gospels of Luke (e.g., Luke 2:10-11, proclaiming the birth of a Savior, Christ the Lord) and Matthew (e.g., Matthew 2, describing the visit of the wise men seeking the king). The emphasis on love, peace, giving, and forgiveness aligns with core Christian teachings, such as John 3:16 (God's great love in giving His Son), 1 John 4:7-8 (God is love), and the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:9, blessing the peacemakers), and the call to forgive others as we have been forgiven (Matthew 6:14-15). These scriptural connections reinforce the song's message, making it not just a festive tune but a reflection on the spiritual principles at the heart of Christmas.
