The Christians & The Pagans Lyrics - Many Great Companions - Dar Williams

Amber called her uncle 

Said, "We're up here for the holiday 

Jane and I were having solstice 

Now we need a place to stay" 

And her Christ-loving uncle 

Watched his wife hang Mary on a tree 

He watched his son hang candy canes 

All made with red dye number three 

He told his niece, "It's Christmas eve 

I know our life is not your style" 

She said, "Christmas is like solstice 

And we miss you and it's been awhile" 

So the Christians and the pagans 

Sat together at the table 

Finding faith and common ground 

The best that they were able 

And just before the meal was served 

Hands were held and prayers were said 

Sending hope for peace on earth 

To all their Gods and Goddesses 

The food was great, the tree plugged in 

The meal had gone without a hitch 

Till Timmy turned to Amber and said 

"Is it true that you're a witch?" 

His mom jumped up and said 

"The pies are burning," and she hit the kitchen 

And it was Jane who spoke, she said 

"It's true, your cousin's not a Christian" 

"But we love trees, we love the snow 

The friends we have, the world we share 

And you find magic from your God 

And we find magic everywhere" 

So the Christians and the pagans 

Sat together at the table 

Finding faith and common ground 

The best that they were able 

And where does magic come from? 

I think magic's in the learning 

'Cause now when Christians sit with pagans 

Only pumpkin pies are burning 

When Amber tried to do the dishes 

Her aunt said, "Really no, don't bother" 

Amber's uncle saw how Amber looked like 

Tim and like her father 

He thought about his brother 

How they hadn't spoken in a year 

He thought he'd call him up and say 

"It's Christmas and your daughter's here" 

He thought of fathers, sons and brothers 

Saw his own son tug his sleeve, saying 

"Can I be a pagan?" dad said 

"We'll discuss it when they leave" 

So the Christians and the pagans 

Sat together at the table 

Finding faith and common ground 

The best that they were able 

Lighting trees in darkness 

Learning new ways from the old 

And making sense of history 

And drawing warmth out of the cold