Once Upon a Christmas
Once upon a Christmas far away in Bethlehem
Mary being great with child had no place to lie down
So Joseph found a stable in which Mary had her child
Once upon a Christmas was the birth of Jesus Christ
Once upon a Christmas in a manger far away
A King was born, His palace was a manger filled with hay
His royal robe was swaddling cloth, a halo was His crown
Once upon a Christmas away in Bethlehem
And all the world rejoiced because the King was born at last
A savior had been promised, now it had come to pass
And the joyful news that He was born spread quickly far and wide
Once upon a Christmas was the birth of Jesus Christ
Once upon a Christmas, from the Far East, wise men came
With gold and myrrh and frankincense to praise the newborn King
Shepherds left their flocks and came to see and worship Him
Once upon a Christmas away in Bethlehem
And all the world rejoiced because the King was born at last
A savior had been promised, now it had come to pass
And the joyful news that He was born spread quickly far and wide
Once upon a Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ
Hosanna, hosanna, hosanna
All the world rejoiced because the King had come at last
A savior had been promised, now it had come to pass
And the joyful news that He was born spread quickly far and wide
Once upon a Christmas was the birth of Jesus Christ
Once upon a Christmas far away in Bethlehem
Listen to the song
Hør sangen
About the carol Once Upon a Christmas
“Christmas in Heaven” is a Christmas song recorded by American musician James Brown. Known primarily as the “Godfather of Soul,” Brown brought his energetic and expressive musical style to many types of songs, including holiday recordings. This song presents a more emotional side of Christmas music by focusing on remembrance and the feelings connected with loved ones who are no longer present.
The song reflects on the idea of someone spending Christmas in heaven while those on Earth continue celebrating the holiday. It explores themes of loss, memories and the hope of reunion. Instead of focusing on gifts or traditional Christmas celebrations, the song acknowledges that the holiday season can also bring moments of sadness when people remember those they have lost.
James Brown’s performance gives the song emotional depth and sincerity. Its connection to Christmas comes from the way it addresses the feelings many people experience during the holidays, especially when remembering family and friends. “Christmas in Heaven” shows that Christmas music can also provide comfort and reflection during difficult moments.
