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Writer's pictureJoel Caballero

A Long Time Ago...in a Land Called Bethlehem (1986)

Updated: Dec 14



A Long Time Ago...in a Land Called Bethlehem is the fifth studio and Christmas album by Christian singer - songwriter Carman. It was originally released in the fall of 1986 on Benson Records' Power Disc label.


The album consists of six original songs, three Christmas hymns and an updated version of his 1982 track "Bethlehem," which is the title track. The album's highlight is the duet track "Our Blessed Savior Has Come" with Christian gospel singer CeCe Winans. The track is produced by Greg Nelson with John Andrew Schreiner producing the rest of the album. A Long Time Ago... debuted and peaked at number 16 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart. In 1987, Carman was nominated for a Dove Award for Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and earned his first Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance by a Duo or Group for "Our Blessed Savior Has Come" with Winans.


In 1995, the album was reissued as Christmas with Carman on Sparrow Records with a different album cover and different track listing. Both the original and reissued releases are out of print and are not available digitally. A YouTube link to listen to the album is posted below this article.


Track listing

All songs were written by Carman Licciardello, except where noted.


1. We Three Kings/Where is He (arranged by Carman Licciardello) -6:00

2. Away in a Manger (traditional; arranged by Carman Licciardello) -1:47

3. For Unto You -4:06

4. What Child Is This (William Chatterton Dix) -1:11

5. Our Blessed Savior Has Come (duet with CeCe Winans) -6:19

6. (A Long Time Ago...in a Land Called) Bethlehem -2:52

7. Jesus Is -4:29

8. I Feel Jesus -4:08

9. Jehovah Shalom -3:48

10. Celebrate Jesus -3:27


Production credits


John Andrew Schreiner -producer (tracks 1 -4, 6 -10)

Greg Nelson -producer (track 5)


Radio singles

1986 "Jesus Is" -#8 Christian CHR


Previous release: The Champion (1985)


Listen to A Long Time Ago...in a Land Called Bethlehem here:


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