The score & parts set for this work only contains one copy of the vocal score.

Written in 1978 for the London Choral Society, and premiered in the Royal Albert Hall that December, this short cantata looks at the Christmas story through the eyes of the landlord of the Inn at Bethlehem, a simple Jewish witness to the extraordinary events surprisingly unfolding in his very own hostelry. The drama is framed by two well-known Christmas carols, O Come, o come Emmanuel and God rest ye merry, gentlemen, which require the participation of the audience who also have an important role to play by simulating the sound of marching Roman soldiers.