Aled Jones goes in search of the people, places and fascinating stories behind Britain's best loved Christmas Carols..

Along the way he reveals his own personal favourite carol and exclusively performs all carols featured in the programme, along with the internationally renowned boys choir, Libera and The Adventist Vocal Ensemble, at Great St Bart’s Priory Church in London.

Aled begins his journey by travelling to the birthplace of Christ - Bethlehem. Meeting with a local priest he also finds out the significance of carols when Father Ibrahim Shomali tells him: “It’s very important because you know the birth of a person in the family is very important. And also it’s hope. And carols here give hope for a people with no hope, especially in this country, in this area.” 

Speaking from the Grotto, where Mary is said to have given birth to her baby boy, Aled then reveals his personal favourite, “I’m often ridiculed for saying that my favourite carol is Away in a Manger but I stick by my choice. Yes, it’s a simple, unscriptural carol. But being here at the birthplace of Christ has really brought alive its magical quality. Yes it’s childish, but in the best sense of the word. It makes you focus on the message.” 

In Italy, Aled visits the Umbrian countryside to find out about the role St. Francis of Assisi played in creating carols when he took religious lyrics from his sermons and coupled then with the popular everyday tunes of the 13th century. Father Pasquale Magro, a monk at the Basilica of St. Francis, believes the worldwide popularity of carols would have delighted St Francis. He tells the programme: “Because this would be the completion, the maturing of his wishes, of his ideas. Francis is the promoter of common people, of common people’s ideals.” 

On the final leg of his journey, Aled arrives at the First World War battlefields of Ypres, Belgium. He then discovers the touching story of how the haunting melody of Silent Night united the British and German forces, for one night only.
With fantastic music and a refreshing insight into the story behind one of the festive season’s key elements, Aled’s Christmas Carols is a great way to kick start your Christmas Eve viewing. 

Aled's Christmas Carols is broadcast on ITV 1 on Wednesday, 24 December 2008, 11:25AM - 12:25PM 

Source: christmas.vg

Article posted by: xbons
Sunday, December 14, 2008 @ 22:03:31 GMT