Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/1246005
A Word from the Composer The Seven Noels will lead the listeners through the Christmas story, using the tune of my favorite carol: The first noel, we long to hear. For the sound gives us hope through our sorrow and fear. The second noel, the prophet did say, "Take comfort, my people, prepare the way." The third noel, young Mary would hear when the angel would say to her, "Do not fear." The fourth noel was in Bethlehem on the night when the baby was born to them. The fifth noel, the angels did say to certain poor shepherds… For the sixth noel: Through the night, a noel was proclaimed in the skies… The seventh noel calls God's people to lift praises and adoration through the finale, "Beautiful Worship Noel." Among the noel interludes, there is a women's trio and a men's piece. There are other interludes appropriate for optional solos. Narration There is one narration from Luke 2, spoken after "The Fourth Noel". However, feel free to add scriptures before any of the interludes. Another option would be for your pastor to do sermonettes at certain points. Children's Choir Many have asked me to include children and youth in my cantatas. All the noels would be singable by young people. "Night of the Manger" would be a natural place to add young singers. A child soloist could sing "The Fourth Noel" and then recite the included narration. (See "Staging" below.) Young singers could join the adult choir on the main theme of "Beautiful Worship Noel" and the congregational sections. Even if you don't have a children's choir, you could teach them a part during Sunday School or another time. Staging I love how you create ways to present my work. Here are two suggestions to get you started. Candles – During the interludes, a child or adult could come forward to light one of seven candles. The seventh candle could be lit during the intro of "Beautiful Worship Noel." You may even choose to have the congregation light candles on the finale. Nativity Scene – Another idea could be to bring figurines and objects, one by one, to assemble a nativity scene on a table. Here are suggestions: "The First Noel" – empty manger or stable "The Second Noel" – scroll or open Bible to symbolize the prophecy "The Third Noel" – angel with Mary and Joseph "The Fourth Noel" – the baby placed into the manger "The Fifth Noel" – angel "The Sixth Noel" – wisemen and perhaps a star "Beautiful Worship Noel" (seventh) – candles around the scene Either way, the person bringing the candle or figure should come forward with a sense of presentation. Holding the item out from the body and walking a bit slowly will add to the drama. You may choose to have individual choir members come from the loft. Congregation There are options for congregational singing: "Silent Night" (during "Night of the Manger"), "O Come Let Us Adore Him", and the final verse in "Beautiful Worship Noel", each indicated in the choral score. A free download of sheet music for congregational singing in these sections is available on www.lorenz.com. Search for "65/2108L" and click "Free Downloads" on the product page. If desired, it would also be natural to have the congregation sing on the interludes, "The Second Noel" and "The Fifth Noel". I hope this work will help you celebrate Christmas in a fresh way. Thank you for partnering with me to create new worship experiences for our congregations. —Pepper Choplin 2 65/2108&09L-2 For Preview Only