A Christmas Garland on "Greensleeves"
A Christmas Eve offering for SATB Choir, soprano, and baritone soloists. Organ, String Quintet and flute, but may be performed with organ and flute alone. Specifically written for that interval between the gathering of the congregation on Christmas Eve, and the beginning of your Christmas Eve service. (Your pre-service music.) This short work (18 min.) is based on the tune "Greensleeves."is easy for the choir and soloists and is just the thing to begin your Nativity service. The score and parts are located in the (Extras) ZIP file.
What child is this? the heavens sing,
O her the news the angels bring, In Bethle'hem is born a king,
Glad tidings to the nations.
What child is this who prophets tell?
Our King and Ruler, Emmanuel;
To save thy people Israel
News of great joy, great mirth,
The telling of our Savior's birth
News, news, good news we bring
Of the babe, the Son of Mary.
When sin departs before Your grace,
The gift is given to every race, We praise the newborn baby.
News of great joy, great mirth,
The telling of our Savior's birth.
News, news, good news we bring
Of the babe, the Son of Mary.
All out of darkness we have light
Which made the angels sing this night;
Glory to God, and in his sight,
The Peace of the Lord everlasting.
News of great joy, great mirth,
The telling of our Savior's birth.
News, news to all the earth
Of the babe, the Son of Mary.
3. Choir + Duet (baritone, soprano)
Magnificat
CHOIR: In the sixth month, the Angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph. And the virgin's name was Mary.
Hail, thou that art highly favored. The Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women. For behold, thou shalt bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee. For with God nothing shall be impossible.
Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it unto me according to thy word.
Chorus and Soprano (Magnificat)
My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Savior. For he hath regarded the lowliness of his handmaiden. For behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath magnified me and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him throughout all generations. He hath showed strength with his arm. He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their heart. He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things and the rich he hath sent empty away. He rememb'ring his mercy hath holpen his servant Israel; As he promised to our forefathers, Abraham and his seed forever.
Come thou redeemer of the earth,
Let every age adoring fall,
and manifest thy virgin birth
the birth befits the God of all.
Word of God in flesh arrayed,
the promised truth to us displayed.
Hail, hail, be not afraid,
the angel said to Mary.
The cradle here shall glitter bright
where endless faith shall shine serene,
the darkness breathes a newer light
and twilight never intervenes.
Come come Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel
Within our hearts to dwell,
the babe the son of Mary.
Recit and Solo (Baritone): And it came to pass in those days that a decree that all the world should be taxed. Joseph went up to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, to be registered with Mary, who was great with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear, for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce him through,
The Cross be borne for me, for you;
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The babe, the son of Mary!
Choir
What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The babe, the son of Mary.
So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh;
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise, the song on high,
The virgin sings her lullaby,
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The babe, the son of Mary!