The music is tuneful with syncopated, slightly bouncy accompaniment.
It comes in two versions:
SATB choir
SA choir with piano – the alto part is optional and it can be and has been sung as a unison song with youngsters.
The text is by Sister Mary Bernadette Ward SJM of words she considers to be the “real” Christmas message:
A child of given destiny,
Hope of the ages, eternal light.
Angels, shepherds, kings,
all sang at your birth
that first Christmas night.
Child of the dawn,
your light dapples through creation
Bringing life and love to our broken world.
Peace to all on earth this Christmas night.
O wisdom, o vitality of God,
Power of peace, blessed are we
whose lives are filled with Christ,
The child of Christmas night.
This child of Christmas night.
Silence and darkness
Your light bursts into life
Dancing and singing for joy
Because of that first Christmas night.
The SATB version is here (a score snippet and recording – scroll down to the misty canal scene for that!):
The high voices + piano version is here (again, a score snippet and recording – scroll down to the sloping beach this time!)
Hope you enjoy the song!
Cheryl
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