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 refinedarrangement 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 ofsonic 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 forflute, 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.