On Christmas Day in 1914, a number of unofficial ceasefires took place along the Western Front in France, with German and British soldiers crossing the trenches to talk and exchange seasonal greetings, food and souvenirs. There were joint burial ceremonies and prisoner swaps, and in some areas even carol singing and football matches.

This year, to mark the centenary of this remarkable truce, Silent Night Carols events are bringing communities all over the country together this month in much the same spirit.

Sports fans, school choirs, brass bands and families will gather in football grounds, schools, cathedrals and churches to sing carols – including a specially commissioned, contemporary version of Silent Night, with a new verse and chorus, co-written by Ben Cantelon and Nick Herbert.

The new version of the much-loved carol has been recorded by multi-platinum-selling tenor Paul Potts, in aid of HOPE Together, a national Christian mission movement, and Tearfund to help bring hope to those affected by the war in Syria, particularly women and children.

  • Silent Night Carols is at St James Church, New Barnet, St Thomas Church, Oakwood, and Christ Church, Little Heath, on Sunday, December 21.

Lyrics of the new version of the carol: Silent Night (Christ The Saviour Is Born)
By Ben Cantelon and Nick Herbert

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child
Holy Infant, so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia
Christ the Saviour is born
Christ the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, Love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Silent night, holy night
God's great love giving life
Let the world together rejoice
Sing forever with one voice
Heaven's hope is here
Heaven's hope is here

Christ the Saviour
Christ the Saviour is born
Peace and hope have come
Through Jesus Christ, the Son

Christ the Saviour
Christ the Saviour is born
Peace and hope have come
Through Jesus Christ, the Son
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord at Thy birth

Music: F X Gruber. Words: Joseph Mohr (tr J F Young), Arr. and new lyrics: Ben Cantelon and Nick Herbert Copyright © 2014 Thankyou Music & Hope Together CCLI Number: 7021184