This Michael Mangan song from Sing Jubilee was slightly retouched to become the title track of his collection This is the Time. The last line of the chorus used to be, “This is the time to celebrate God’s great jubilee” so with a few changed words it has become a fine Lenten song.
This folio is one of his flagship vehicles beloved of school teachers everywhere, as it has songs to celebrate the liturgical seasons with their classes. When my kids were at primary school I used to help out with Christmas pageants (they actually wanted my son the drummer) and they always turned to Michael Mangan for repertoire. A good example is “Mary said Yes!” that always gets lots of hits here leading up to Advent. Another Advent song that is certainly not just for the youngsters in this book is “O Emmanuel”, which also is in CWBII. For your Christmas celebration you’ve got to have “Follow the Christmas Star”. Anyone working with children and church needs this sheet music.
… which can be purchased at Litmus.
He makes his lyrics available in Word and Powerpoint form at his website.
I made this backing twenty something years ago on Band in a Box for windows v.1 and converted it into a MIDI file. I just made an MP3 render of that file.
This Is The Time
words and music: Michael Mangan
1. This is the time to stop.
This is the time for new beginnings.
This is the time to open up your hearts.
This is the time to dream.
This is the time for building bridges.
This is the time to make a bold new start.
We’re working for a world of justice,
Where every heart is free,
A land of love and peace and unity.
As we travel on together,
Believing in the dream,
This is the time to start again
Together you and me.
2.This is the time to rest.
This is the time to just remember.
This is the time to let your troubles go.
This is the time to heal.
This is the time to forgive each other.
This is the time to let the new seeds grow.
3. This is the time to share.
This is the time for joyful giving.
This is the time to wash away all pain.
This is the time for thanks.
This is the time for celebration.
This is the time to journey home again.
©2005,1998 Litmus Productions, Brisbane, Australia.