Someone once said that Christmas is the favorite holiday of children because there are elements of it that appeal to all the senses... brilliant colors; big, thick, soft sugar cookies; crinkley wrapping paper; big, thick, soft sugar cookies; the smell of evergreen and cinnamon; big, thick, soft sugar cookies...
I admit to a rather juvenile (and unhealthy) liking for big, thick, soft sugar cookies, along with all the other sights and smells and tastes... and especially sounds of the Christmas season. I love the jingle of bells; the sound of my husband's voice reading from Dickens; the knock on the door immediately followed by the voices of carolers. The first time our organist plays "The First Noel" or "Joy to the World" for prelude it can bring me to tears.
The hymns and carols of Christmas are among the most beautiful music on earth, so I feel almost presumptuous adding to them. But Christmas sets the world a-singing, and I'm no exception. This simple song, my 2006 Christmas Card Carol, is my humble contribution to the sounds of the season.
Note: This carol is offered in several keys and voicings, but not specifically as a high-voice solo. If you're looking for a higher version for solo voice, just use the SSAA accompaniment.
In the darkness o'er Judea
In the silence of the night
As Bethlehem lay dreaming
'neath the still and starry skies
Holy angels came rejoicing
Bright with glory like the dawn
And set the heavens singing
When the Son of God was born
In the darkness o'er Judea
Newly kindled o'er the earth
A wondrous star was gleaming
To proclaim Messiah's birth
And as wise men came a-seeking
Heaven's light went on before
And set their hearts a-singing
When the Son of God was born
In the shadows of a stable
In a manger, sweet with hay
The Holy Child lay sleeping
E'er the coming of the day
And the light of love descending
'Round the cradle of the Lord
Set the world a-singing
When the Son of God was born