Uses: General, Christmas Eve, Christmas

Scripture: I Thessalonians 5:17; Matthew 1:18-25; Isaiah 7:14

Re-tooling a classic hymn into a Christmas offering is a crafty concept, and in this refined arrangement the idea becomes art. Easily learned, the piece is “something old and something new” making this choral a satisfying addition to any concert or worship service. The instrumentation adds additional layers of sonic complexity while the optional text, presenting the original Sweet Hour of Prayer text, gives thoughtful directors programming flexibility. Available separately: SATB, LiteTrax CD, Orchestration (Score & parts for flute, cello, 2 oct. handbells). NOTE: “Away in a Manger” quote in handbells has TACET option if performing the “Sweet Hour of Prayer” text. Duration: ca. 4:00.