Christmas in our Hearts

This is a Christmas song. It considers the true spirit of Christmas and the festive traditions of the Philippines. Written for entertainment / popular use, it has more recently been sung in carol services.

The song is credited to Filipino Roman Catholic singer, songwriter, businessman and TV presenter, Jose Mari Chan (b. 1945, full-name José Mari Chan y Lim). It was the title track of an album he released in 1990, and is regarded by many people as Chan's signature song.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Chan. This was originally written for a poem, "Ang Tubig Ay Buhay," by Chari Cruz-Zarate, for a high-school reunion. The tune was then used as the basis for the words, which were written by Chan and lyricist Rina Cañiza.

The tune has a 4/4 time signature. In the key of F, the first few notes of the melody are D ABAG FG AGA BAGF E_ with accompanying chords Dm / Gm / A.

Image adapt from a work by Pancit Canton Media - CC0 1.0 Universal

Downloads

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Downloadable unison choir with piano, arranged by Jonathan Mendoza

Examples

Duet with band, original video

Original soundtrack, with words on-screen

Band - professional recording

Choir with keyboard

Duet, with backing track

Dance mix version

Choir performance

Instrumental - piano (with on-screen tutorial)

Instrumental - classical guitar

Instrumental - organ

Lyrics

1. Whenever I see girls and boys
Selling lanterns on the streets,
I remember the Child
In the manger as He sleeps.
Wherever there are people
Giving gifts, exchanging cards,
I believe that Christmas
Is truly in their hearts.

(pre-chorus)
Let’s light our Christmas trees
For a bright tomorrow,
Where nations are at peace
And all are one in God.

Chorus
Let’s sing Merry Christmas
And a happy holiday,
This season may we never forget
The love we have for Jesus
Let Him be the One to guide us
As another new year starts
And may the spirit of Christmas
Be always in our hearts.

2. In every prayer and every song
The community unites,
Celebrating the birth
Of our Saviour, Jesus Christ
Let love, like that starlight
On that first Christmas morn,
Lead us back to the manger
Where Christ the Child was born

(prechorus)
So, come let us rejoice
Come and sing a Christmas carol
With one big joyful voice
Proclaim the name of the Lord!