Today's Christmas Carol - 8 December 2005

I missed yesterday because I was on the road, working; and because my hotel had only dial-up internet access. Fatigue won out.

Today's offering is "Nativity Carol," by John Rutter, who is discussed below:

Born in a stable so bare,
Born so long ago;
Born 'neath light of star
He who loved us so.

Far away, silent he lay
Born today, your homage pay,
Christ is born for aye,
Born on Christmas Day.

Cradled by mother so fair,
Tender her lullaby;
Over her son so dear
Angel hosts fill the sky.

Wise men from distant far land,
Shepherds from starry hills
Worship this babe so rare,
Hearts with his warmth he fills.

Love in that stable was born
Into our hearts to flow;
Innocent dreaming babe,
Make me thy love to know.

Words and Music by John Rutter
Copyright 2002, Collegium Records

I have sung this piece in a choir several times. Its sweetness and tenderness cannot be fully appreciated without hearing the music and the Rutter-conducted performance of his own arrangement. You can buy it here.

Here you'll find an interesting interview with John Rutter, by the way.