DESCRIPTION

This vivacious, syncopated carol is an original setting of a traditional English poem. The poem tells the Christmas story in a charmingly simple way, but also does so with dignified language, making the text a delight to set to music.

My four-part music is strophic, but subtle variations from verse to verse give the piece interest. The last verse begins in unison and ends with a soprano descant, bringing the piece to a thrilling close.

This piece would add a festive sparkle to your holiday choral concert!

TEXT INFO

Let Christians All with Joyful Mirth

Traditional English text — Note: These words were found over one hundred years ago in an old church gallery in Dorset County, England.

Complete text:

Let Christians all with joyful mirth,
Both young and old, both great and small,
Now think upon our Saviour's birth,
Who brought salvation to us all.

      This day did Christ our soul from death remove,
      With glorious saints to dwell in heaven above!

No palace, but an ox's stall,
The place of his nativity;
This truly should instruct us all
To learn from him humility.
      (Refrain)

Then Joseph and the Virgin came
Unto the town of Bethlehem,
But sought in vain within the same
For lodging to be granted them.
      (Refrain)

A stable harboured them, where they
Continued till this blessèd morn.
Let us rejoice and keep the day,
Wherein the Lord of life was born.
      (Refrain)

He that descended from above,
Who for your sins has meekly died,
Make him the pattern of your love,
So will your joys be sanctified.
      (Refrain)