Orchestrated for piano, organ, SATB choir and solo voice. This was one of those pieces that hit me, literally, in the middle of the night. I had to get up that instant and large portions of this arrangement remain untouched from that night nearly 10 years ago. This has become the traditional closing number for our stake choirside. My mental image when performing this song is this: The nativity scene is a much different picture in the Americas than the choruses of angels received by shepherds in their fields. The only kings coming were the servants of kings that wanted all believers in Christ to cease to exist.

I imagine all of those poor Christians huddled close together in their makeshift concentration camps where the unbelievers would soon carry out their executions if the sign was not given. One voice, the voice of a child reaches up to heaven, hoping that her prayer will reach the manger her little heart so hopes is really there. As her prayer of Silent Night ends the sun goes down but it does not get dark. 3 Nephi 1:15 "at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came.
16 And there were many, who had not believed the words of the prophets, who fell to the earth and became as if they were dead, for they knew that the great plan of destruction which they had laid for those who believed in the words of the prophets had been frustrated; for the sign which had been given was already at hand.
17 And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth."

People marvel at the sign then begin to whisper the words, "Christ the King is born! Angels shout with joy! Come behold your King!" And then all the believers break into a chorus of Alleluia praising God for His goodness and mercy.

This arrangement can be used as a solo piece, a trio, or larger group. It was originally intended as an SSA piece. The piece is meant to stick closely to a traditional version without much variation in rhythm or chord structure of Adolphe Adam's version. However, there is enough variation to make it unique and memorable for those that you will perform it for.

This arrangement can be very stirring with a large enough choir. It can also be done well with a small choir. It starts out very simply and builds and builds right to the end. Newly released in 2011 is the version with an added instrumental line. My personal preference is the violin but a flute, clarinet or oboe would be just as beautiful. Enjoy.

You will need a proficient pianist to perform this piece but it will stir the hearts of those who hear it. My mental picture was the pealing bells on a crisp Christmas morning as a call comes to all of the faithful followers of Christ to come and worship him.

The hardest part about this arrangement is the piano part. The choral elements are nearly (but not all) straight from the hymnal. This makes for a great opening number in your Christmas program. You can be certain that no one will sleep through it for sure!

This is a hauntingly beautiful, a capella arrangement for women's voices - although it could also be adapted easily for a TTB setting as well. You can almost hear the chill of the November wind as it wisps through the cathedral bell tower in this arrangement. One of my favorites. Soon to be released - a piano accompanied version to alleviate the intimidation of a cappella.

I remember singing this in college with a group of men. Here is the text translated:
Today Christ is born:
Today the Savior appeared:
Today on Earth the Angels sing,
Archangels rejoice:
Today the righteous rejoice, saying:
Glory to God in the highest.
Alleluia.
It is a beautiful message. One of hope and faith. Sing this arrangment as a traditional Gregorian chant or add some angels with the 3 part harmony verse.

This arrangement should leave your heart pumping. It is a great Christmas program opener and one of my favorite hymns. It is easy enough to do with a few rehearsals yet challenging enough to not have Bro. and Sis. Musician snoring in the back of the choir seats. Give it a go and see if you don't agree.