The World's Desire

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Composer
Allen Orton Gibbs
Difficulty
Moderately Easy radio_button_checked radio_button_checked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked radio_button_unchecked
Season
Christmas Epiphany (day and season)
Voicing(s)
SATB Solo(s)
Instruments
Keyboard [organ/piano]
Category
Anthems
Instrumental Only?
No
Description

SATB Choir, solo, and celesta - or piano up an octave. (The celesta part can easily be done on an electronic keyboard). Text by G.K. Chesterton. A marvelous setting of this poem, perfect for anytime during the Christmas season, and even into Epiphany.

Audio
Lyrics
The Christ-child lay on Mary's lap,
His hair was like a light.
O weary, weary were the world,
But here is all aright.

The Christ-child lay on Mary's breast,
His hair was like a star.
O stern and cunning are the kings,
But here the true hearts are.

The Christ-child lay on Mary's heart,
His hair was like a fire.
O weary, weary is the world,
But here the world's desire.

The Christ-child stood at Mary's knee,
His hair was like a crown.
And all the flowers looked up at Him,
And all the stars looked down.