Christmas Musicals for Church
Issue link: http://read.jwpepper.com/i/143098
From the composers 2 The story of Christmas–God becoming human–is filled with the unlikeliest of elements. God chose an unlikely setting for this story: the tiny village of Bethlehem; an unlikely couple as supporting characters in this story: Joseph and Mary; God chose an unlikely audience through which to broadcast the news of Christ's birth: common shepherds; and He chose a newborn Infant as the lead character in this life-changing story of redemption, love, and grace: Jesus, the Holy Child of Bethlehem. The work you hold in your hands is our shared effort to take this distinctive collection of elements, divinely conceived in the heart of God, and present the Christmas story in a fresh context. As practicing church musicians, we know there is deep meaning in singing familiar carols and reading again the prophetic words of Isaiah and Micah or the inspired gospel writings of Matthew and Luke. But there is something equally inspiring about experiencing Christmas through new music and fresh insights of understanding. As a result, you will find in this cantata a musical tapestry which blends the old with the new. Familiar carols are combined with original compositions, creating a new worship resource for presenting the timeless message of Christmas. Isaiah, the Old Testament prophet, foretold that the Messiah would come and He would be called "Emmanuel–God with us." The gospel writer John, having had a personal association with Jesus and looking in retrospect at the miracle of God becoming human, said it this way: The Word (meaning Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. We have beheld His glory, the glory of the only Son of the heavenly Father. This is the compelling story of Christmas. This is the miraculous story of Bethlehem's Child. Contents —Victor C. Johnson and Lloyd Larson Come and Worship............................................................................................ 3 Narration 1............................................................................................................12 Our Hope Is in Emmanuel............................................................................13 Narration 2............................................................................................................19 Waiting and Longing.....................................................................................20 Narration 3............................................................................................................27 My Soul Does Magnify the Lord................................................................28 Narration 4............................................................................................................34 Christ Is Born in Bethlehem........................................................................35 Narration 5............................................................................................................43 Run, Shepherds!...............................................................................................44 Narration 6............................................................................................................ 51 Cradle Carol........................................................................................................52 Narration 7............................................................................................................58 Bethlehem's Child............................................................................................59 SATB Edition & & Soprano w œ Alto w œ ? w œ Tenor ? Bass w œ 65/2055&57L-2 œ œ bw w bœ #w œ w Vocal Ranges The inner notes show the pitches used most frequently by each voice part, while the outer notes indicate outlying pitches that occur infrequently and can be handled by a few talented singers. SAB Edition & & ? Soprano w œ Alto w œ w œ Baritone œ bw œ w œ w