Contemporary Christian Christmas recordings

Benjamin Harlan : Christmas Carol Celebration

Review: Usher in the Christmas season with Christmas Carol Celebration. Brimming with fresh, new arrangements of favorite carols reflecting moments both triumphant and tender in the Christmas story, this 40-minute cantata for choir and congregation is easily prepared and presented, yet highly effective. Selective new original material is woven into the work to complement the classic carols. The narration is written by veteran Ragan Courtney, offering a poetic perspective of the Birth of Christ.

Benjamin Harlan : One Small Child

Review: One Small Child brings together some of the most beloved contemporary worship songs with favorite carols for an unforgettable Christmas celebration! David Meece's touching, powerful song is the recurring theme, which ties the work together. Optional narration and dramatic monologues are included.

Songlist: Silent Night, Agnus Dei, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, Go Light Your World, O Come, All Ye Faithful, How Far Is It To Bethlehem?, Jesus Came To Dwell Among Us, Here I Am To Worship (Light Of The World), Infant Holy, Infant Lowly, Waitin' For The Baby, One Small Child

Dale Mathews : Light of Bethlehem - Choral Book

Review: Easy-to-Learn, Easy-to-Sing are the hallmarks of this popular series from Word Music & Church Resources...built on a foundation of great arrangements from some of today's leading arrangers, expertly repurposed into a Unison Choir format, and featuring accompaniment tracks that will make your choir sound bigger than life (along with an Accompaniment DVD designed to give your presentation the same flair and impact you would normally expect to find in much bigger, more elaborate productions!). This joyous, fun and simple musical is great for choirs that are challenged on resources and rehearsal time, yet big on spirit, talent and heart! Perfectly appropriate for choirs of any size, Light of Bethlehem lends a delightful opportunity to grow and expand the performance options of smaller choirs, while also offering perfect "practically-no-rehearsal needed" material for larger, more experienced choirs.

Light of Bethlehem is sure to distinguish your choir from the rest, and enable your music ministry to far exceed everyone's expectations. Let the easy-learn-easy-sing unison format of Word's Very Simply Series enhance your choir's ability and give you the leadership resource you need to encourage them to present their most powerful Christmas program to date!

Songlist: Joy to the World!, Celebrate! The Joy and Wonder of Christmas, Gloria , The Light of Bethlehem, Adore Him, O Come, Let Us Adore Him, Let the Word Rejoice, Sing, All Ye People, Joy to the World (Unspeakable Joy)

Dale Matthews : Glorious Song, Marvelous Light - Choral Book

Review: Easy-to-Learn, Easy-to-Sing are the hallmarks of this popular series from Word Music & Church Resources. Each musical in the Very Simply Word Series is built on a foundation of great selections by some of today's leading arrangers, each of the songs having been expertly repurposed into a Unison Choir (Optional 2-Part) format. Each musical in the series features epic-sounding accompaniment tracks, designed to make your choir sound bigger than life. GLORIOUS SONG, MARVELOUS LIGHT is sure to allow your choir to stand out from the rest. Let the Easy-to-Learn-Easy-to-Sing unison format of Word Music & Church Resource's Very Simply Word Series enhance your choir's outreach, as you encourage them in presenting their most powerful Christmas program ever!

Songlist: Angel Medley , Angels We Have Heard on High, Angels, from the Realms of Glory, Light of the Stable, It Came upon a Midnight Clear, Glorious, Call Him Name Jesus, Our God Is with Us, He Shall Reign Forevermore

Daniel Semsen : Cool Yule - Choral Book

Review: Following on the heels of Kaleidoscope (the new Modern Youth Choir collection from Word Music & Church Resources) comes COOL YULE, an awesome new 6-song Christmas collection by West Coastbased arranger and uber programmer, Daniel Semsen. Arranged for student choirs and vocal ensembles (better known as Modern Youth Choirs), COOL YULE is edgy and intense, next-generation, forward-leaning, bleeding-edge music for your Youth Choir's Christmas presentation.COOL YULE is jam-packed full of contemporary seasonal songs, designed for life-changing student ministry opportunities. Featuring songs originally made popular by artists such as Hillsong Young & Free, TobyMac, Hillsong Worship and more, COOL YULE delivers a wide variety of musical styles and formats designed to help your Modern Youth Choir present their coolest Christmas concert ever, with the true message of Christmas front and center!

Songlist: Cool Yule, Born Is the King (It's Christmas), Noel, This Christmas, How Glorious the Love of Heaven, A Little More Love, This Christmas (Father of the Fatherless)

Daryl Runswick : A Gospel Christmas

Review: This collection of five Christmas spirituals from North America and the Caribbean are idiomatically arranged by Daryl Runswick, with useful tips to help inexperienced choirs sing in a gospel style. Runswick's vivid gospel arrangements are a sparkling addition to the Christmas repertory for upper voice choirs, and will be loved by singers and audiences alike!

Songlist: The Virgin Mary Had A Baby, Children Go Where I Send Thee, Steal Away, Pretty Home, Go, Tell it on the Mountain

Dave and Jean Perry : A Shepherd's Tale

Review: Approximately 30 minutes long, this cantata is ideal for incorporation into the regular worship service. You can lengthen the program by adding instrumental solos, congregational hymns, costumes and simple staging. The optional orchestration is simple to prepare and perform, and it appears right in the Choral Score (individual instrumental parts available separately). Perform with any or all of the instruments: flute, 2 trumpets, acoustic guitar, percussion and handbells-the handbell part is playable by either singers or ringers.

Geron Davis : Hope Has Come

Review: Featuring exciting new songs from Geron Davis, this worship experience presents the Christmas story in a fresh new way-Jesus is our Hope and will return as conquering King. With celebratory praise and awesome worship songs, this musical incorporates soloists, worship teams, as well as adult and children's choirs. Music, narration, and production notes are included in the songbook.

Songlist: Christmas Praise Medley, The Cradle That Rocked The World, Glory To God, Hope Has Come, Isn't It Amazing, Lord, I Lift Your Name On High, Sing, Sing, Watch For The Light, Why Would He Choose Me, Worship (Worship The King)

Joan Frey Boytim : Christmas Solos for All Ages - Medium Voice

Review: The most practical, all-around Christmas collection for singers, with 45 essential solos for the season. There are traditional carol arrangements, art songs and traditional Christmas songs, and three of the greatest of all popular Christmas standards. All songs are in English. Available in three keys, this collection is perfect literature for teaching voice. Songs include: As Lately We Watched - The Birthday of a King - Carol of the Birds - The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire) - Do You Hear What I Hear - Fum, Fum, Fum - Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming - Mary Had a Baby - O Holy Night - Some Children See Him - White Christmas - and more.

Songlist: O Holy Night, A Slumber Song Of The Madonna, Love Came Down At Christmas, He Is Born, The Holy Child (Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant), In The Bleak Midwinter, Caroling, Caroling, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, The Darkness Is Falling, The Sleep Of The Child Jesus, Voices Of The Sky, Christmas Candle, O Savior Sweet, Little Noel, Mary's Slumber Song, A Christmas Cradle Song, The Shepherds, There's A Song In The Air, The Virgin At The Manger, The Kings, The Star Carol, As Lately We Watched, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, Rise Up, Shepherd, And Follow, Fum, Fum, Fum, The Birthday Of A King, Carol Of The Birds, Mary Had A Baby, Still, Still, Still, A Christmas Carol, What Songs Were Sung, and more

Voicing: Medium

Jochen Rieger : Christmas Gospel Hymns

Review: Gospels and sacred hymns have become increasingly popular in the choral world, especially at Christmas. Their contents and melodies have delighted, deeply moved and comforted many generations. 'Christmas Gospel Hymns' presents a collection of the most beautiful Christmas gospel hymns in easy to intermediate arrangements in pop and swing style. The movements include chord numbering and piano accompaniment, yet can also be sung a cappella. Known throughout the world, all gospels and hymns are in English.

Songlist: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, What Child Is This?, Go, Tell It On The Mountain, Away In A Manger, Silent Night, O Holy Night, Joy To The World, The First Noel, O Little Town Of Bethlehem, Sing We Now Of Christmas, African Noel, Good Christian Men, Rejoice, Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, The Night, When Christ Was Born, Jesus, The Savior Of The World, The Mighty King In Humbleness

John Leavitt : A Midnight Clear

Review: A Midnight Clear is a joyful collection of carols that beautifully and elegantly portray the Christmas story. Stylistic variety abounds, and the optional Chamber Orchestration will provide additional layers of texture and color to the work. Selections can be presented individually or as part of a full-length cantata, making this book an excellent choice for Lessons and Carols services or for concert presentations.

Songlist: All My Heart This Night Rejoices, Blessed Be That Maid Mary, Carol For The Newborn King, Christmas Celebration, In Dulci Jubilo., It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, King Jesus Hath A Garden, O Come, Little Children, Puer Natus In Bethlehem

Lee Dengler and Susan Naus Dengler : A Night for Rejoicing

Review: "Christmas night---what a glorious night for rejoicing!" This cantata tells the age-old story of Jesus' coming to earth which culminates in that glorious "night for rejoicing." This 35-minute work is scored for choir, congregation, and optional children's choir with keyboard accompaniment. There is also an optional chamber orchestra available for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, cello, timpani, percussion, and handbells. The eight choral movements, along with prelude and underscore, are replete with familiar carols as well as newly composed music. They are separated by narration that can be presented by one or two readers. This stirring work---which includes delightfully upbeat tunes as well as slow, deeply worshipful pieces---will be a perfect centerpiece for a Christmas worship service.

Lee Dengler and Susan Naus Dengler : On This Shining Night

Review: "On this shining night, filled with awe and wonder . . . God's gift of love comes down to earth, flooding the world with everlasting Light." The beautiful introductory section of this Christmas cantata leads into the glorious majesty of "O Holy Night," and sets the scene as the shining night when Jesus -- the Light of the World -- was born. The work is woven with newly-composed music and familiar carols, including "Joy to the World!;" "O Come, All Ye Faithful;" "Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow;" "Rocking Carol," and many more. Performance suggestions, including dramatic use of candles and two possible endings for the cantata, are included in the choral book.

Lloyd Larson : The Gift

Review: Christmas is a season of celebration, gratitude, and giving...and this cantata from Lloyd Larson focuses on the ultimate Christmas gift...Jesus. Brimming with beloved carols and exciting new songs, The Gift traces the ageless Christmas story through the lens of gratitude and our response to the Greatest Gift. There are also (optional) moments to involve children in singing and offering gifts to the nativity, shaping this into a multi-generational experience for all. Approximately 35 minutes.

Mark Hayes : Come to the Manger

Review: Master arranger Mark Hayes has conceived this wonderful cantata in a flexible format, making it performable as a 30-minute Christmas cantata or as two small cantatas, one to be performed at Christmas and the other at Epiphany. Either way, Mark's phenomenal writing skills shine through. Using mostly familiar carols, it will be relatively easy to put together. Complete with narration, optional unison children's choir, solos, and congregational singing, this is a glorious celebration of Christ's birth!

Marty Parks : Light Looked Down - Choral Book

Review: Jesus: the Peace that looked down on our war, the Love that looked down on our hatred, the Light that looked down on our darkness. Veteran arranger Marty Parks combines this powerful Christmas message with exciting songs and carols of the season, including such new favorites as"Christ Child" and"Light Looked Down" Accessible choral arranging and rich orchestration make Light Looked Down the perfect offering for small and large choirs alike.

Songlist: Light Looked Down, Angels We Have Heard on High, My Soul Magnifies the Lord, Christ Child, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Fairest Lord Jesus, Infany Holy, Infany Lowly,, Away in a Manger, Gloria! Jubilate Deo!, Light Looked Down, There Is No Other with Jesus

Marty Parks : Men Sing Christmas

Review: A heavenly host of great music for men's voices in the Advent and Christmas season. This collection from Marty Parks has established a treasured place in music ministry. The essence of the Christmas story is captured in a variety of styles. Collection includes service openers, anthems, calls to prayer, and benedictions.

Songlist: Amen, Child of Bethlehem, Christmas Presence, How Great Our Joy!, Jesus, the Light of the World, Jesus, the Son of God, Joyfully We Sing, Mary Had A Baby, O Come, All Ye Faithful, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Lord, Most Holy, Once In Royal David's City, Prince of Peace, We Have Seen His Star

Marty Parks : The Greatest Story of All

Review: Christmas is a story. But it is a story unlike any other Christmas story because this story is true. Santa Claus and Ebenezer Scrooge may warm our hearts, but there is only one story that can change our hearts, and that is the story of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.The Greatest Story of All recounts this life-changing event with a tapestry of seasonal music that will take your congregation from a humble Judean stable to the presence of Bethlehem's angels! Lovingly created for the senior adult choir, veteran arranger Marty Parks has created an inspiring work that boasts the three senior choir distinctions: accessible ranges and rhythms, large print, and no repeats. The work can be utilized as a cover-to-cover program with a single narrator or can serve as a priceless collection of individual anthems that can be used through the Advent season. The birth of Jesus is still the greatest story ever told; this year,experience it again-as if for the very first time.

Songlist: Sing Joy! Joy to the World, It's Still the Greatest Story Ever Told, That Beautiful Name, I Call Him Lord, O Little Town of Bethlehem, On a Silent Night, Gloria!, Fairest and Holy, Children, Go Where I Send Thee, Speak, O Lord

Mary Lynn Lightfoot (editor) : Singable Solutions at Christmas for SSA Choirs

Review: Sing your way through the Christmas season with these eight creative solutions for your SSA classroom and concert needs encompassing a broad spectrum of styles, and ranging from easy to moderate levels of difficulty. Both secular and sacred best sellers are included in the form of carol arrangements and medleys, originals (including a madrigal), a masterwork, openers and closers, and a light concert/novelty offering involving optional audience participation. Several pieces feature added instrumentation-from flute, recorders and continuo, to brass, handbells and percussion. And if you don't have access to the instruments or instrumentalists, then purchasing the Accompaniment CD will fit the bill! This outstanding collection is also a welcome budget stretcher for your program-all eight pieces for about half the cost than if purchased separately. We are confident that you and your choirs will enjoy these singable solutions for your concerts-and your budget!

Songlist: A Garland of Carols, African Noel, Slumber Song, Christmas Madrigal Roundezvous, Hodie! Alleluia!, A Joyful Noel, Christmas...In About Three Minutes, Merrily Sing Noel!

Mary McDonald : O Holy Light

Review: From the shimmering opening chords to the final climactic finish, O Holy Light carries singers and listeners through a journey of the celebration of The Light of the world. Filled with beloved carols and exciting songs from the inimitable Mary McDonald, this cantata captures the many moods of Christmas with a fresh voice. The narration explores God's Light contrasted with the world's darkness, and how the Holy Light of Jesus will never be quenched. The lighting of five symbolic candles during the cantata along with an optional congregational candlelight moment is thrilling. Add optional children's voices as suggested for a multi-generational celebration. Joyful throughout, it's the sort of cantata that will be remembered for years to come. 35 minutes.

Nan Allen : I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Review: Peace on earth. It's been a prayer since the beginning of time. God's people have longed for it for centuries. Dennis and Nan Allen have carefully crafted a service that will remind us of the peace God provides for Christmastime and for our personal lives all year. Familiar carols and an original Allen song make this 30-minute work appealing for a variety of choirs.

Songlist: Silent Night, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, It Came Upon The Midnight Clear, Carol Of The Bells, I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day, He Is My Peace

Robert Sterling : The Ultimate Youth Choir Christmas Book

Review: This seasonal addition to Word Music s family of Ultimate Youth Choir products equips your youth choir with a versatile resource for Christmas. The Ultimate Youth Choir Christmas Book captures the best seasonal titles from contemporary Christian artists and places them into easily learned SAB arrangements by Robert Sterling. Dramatic sketches written by Bob Hoose complement the songs and create an adaptable way to deliver the Christmas message. With keyboard accompaniment. This is a book you won't want to miss!

Songlist: And It Came To Pass, Born Is the King Medley, Angels we Have Heard on High, Joy To the World, Gloria, Breath of Heaven, Celebrating Jesus, Child of Bethlehem, Christmas Lullaby, The Christmas Season, Cough-N-Sneezin' Blues, A Christmas to Remember, Christmastime, Heirlooms, It's A Christmas Thing, Joy to the World!, Mary, Did You Know?, The Night That Christ was Born, Not That Far From Bethlehem, The Reason for Christmas, This Baby, Welcome to Our World, When Love Came Down, You Are Emmanuel

Voicing: Teen

Robert Sterling and John Parker : There Is a Rose

Review: A unique and useful concept for a Christmas cantata, this compelling work by Robert Sterling and John Parker may be used in various ways. The entire work, including the Christmas Intrada and four suites, each containing original and familiar music and divided by poignant narrative, may be used in one presentation. However, it has been designed for each of the four suites to be used on any or all of the Sundays of Advent and Christmas. The cantata is scored for choir, soloists, and keyboard, or it may be presented with chamber orchestra accompaniment. A moving and versatile offering!

Royal School of Church Music : The Carol Book Supplement

Review: The Carol Book Supplement includes 16 addtional Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany carols from Britain and Europe with voicings for SATB choir, SAB choir, or Unison with descant. These flexilbe arrangements will add sparkle to your Carol and Christmas Services. This book of new arrangements is in the same photocopiable format as The Carol Book.

Rudy Partin : Traditional Christmas

Review: Traditional Christmas is a collection of seven easily singable, yet rich tunes from Rudy Partin's prolific hand, and perfect for any a cappella celebration of the birth of our Lord! Gather your friends around the fire on a chilly winter's night, and warm your heart with these lovely tunes of the Christmas season.

Songlist: Go, Tell It On The Mountain, O Little Town of Bethlehem, O Come, Emmanuel, Lo, How A Rose E'er Blooming, O Holy Night, O Come, All Ye Faithful, Silent Night

Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse : Behold That Star!

Review: Behold That Star! is an inspiring Christmas cantata that radiates the creative artistry and partnership of Jay Althouse and Sally K. Albrecht. As the Prince of Peace comes to bring light to a people in darkness, we travel by starlight on our Christmas journey. An inventive blend of scripture and hymn texts tells the story. An optional congregational candlelight ceremony adds a special touch as children's voices (opt. solo) and choir combine in strains of Silent Night. Christmas spirituals provide a joyous finale as the choir concludes, "Behold that star of glory! It is the star of Bethlehem!" Designed for incorporation into regular Christmas or Advent worship services, Behold That Star! may also be lengthened to create a special seasonal program or pageant by adding costumes and simple staging. Approximately 25 minutes long

Tom Fettke : Four A Cappella Christmas Carols

Review: Pull-out from the collection A Season for Alleluias

Songlist: Alleluia! Gloria, All is Well, Behold the Star, Glory nto God

Tom Fettke : Ladies Christmas

Review: Tom Fettke has compiled a master list of traditional carols, classics, and contemporary Christmas songs for groups of anywhere from 3 to 300 voices. Ladies Christmas includes 30 songs in 21 arrangements of varying styles. Four of these are a cappella settings. Featured in the collection is The Birthday of a King, minimusical that is perfect for Advent services, Christmas banquets, or other similar occasions.

Songlist: A Christmas Prayer, A Stable Prayer, Advent Celebration, Canticle of Praise, Good News of Great Joy, He Is Worthy of Praise, Hear the Angels Shouting, How Should a King Come?, Hymn of Triumph, Lift Up Your Eyes, Lion of Judah, Magnificat, Mary's Little Boy Chile, O Holy Night, Prepare Ye the Way, Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord, Rejoice with Exceeding Great Joy, The Birthday of a King, The Birthday of a King, We Wish You A Merry Christmas, We Would Worship Thee, What Can We Give to the King?, You Can Trust God

Tom Fettke : Ladies Sing Christmas

Review: Eighteen Christmas settings (fourteen full-length accompanied arrangements and four a cappella settings) create a treasury of useful materials for worship services, concerts, pageants, or other seasonal events. Includes ballads and up tempo numbers; classic carols and contemporary expressions. Arranged by Tom Fettke. The ultimate resource book for ladies trio, ensemble or choir.

Songlist: Angels, From the Realms of Glory, Bless That Wonderful Name, Child In the Manger, Come and See, Come Rejoicing!, Emmanuel, Emmanuel - Prince of Peace, Gloria, Gloria Deo, Go, Tell It on the Mountain, His Name Is Called Emmanuel, Holy Is the Lord, Hope Has Arrived, I Extol You, Immanuel, Immanuel, Jesus, O What a Wonderful Child, Jesus, the Light of the World, O Come, Let Us Adore Him, O Lord, Most Holy, Precious Promise, Saw You Never in the Twilight, Simple Worship, Sovereign Lord, That Beautiful Name, the Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, There Is Hope, Thou Didst Leave Thy Thorne, Who Is This Child?, Wonderful Counselor

Tom Fettke : The Men's Christmas Collection

Review: Traditional and contemporary Christmas selections for men's quartets, ensembles, or choirs. Tom Fettke's settings include twelve TTBB arrangements, five two-part arrangements, and two a cappella renditions.

Songlist: Angels We Have Heard On High, Baby, What You Goin' to Be?, Beautiful Savior, Celebrate the Child, Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus, Come to My Heart, Gesu Bambino, Gloria, Hear the Good News, How Great Our Joy, In All of His Glory, Jesus! Jesus!, Light of the Star, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, O Holy Night, Sing Praise to the King, Sovereign Lord, The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy, When He Comes

Tom Fettke : Women Sing Christmas

Review: This wonderful collection of songs for the Christmas season has been arranged especially for ladies voices. A treasury of best-loved songs from Randy Vader and Jay Rouse, this book is an outstanding resource for worship services, concerts, pageants, or other seasonal events. With accompaniment.

Songlist: O Come All Ye Faithful, Joy, Joy, Joy, Mary, Did You Know?, Starlight, Star Bright, Come, Messiah King, Coventry Carol, Tell It On The Mountain, Still He Came, A Merry Carol of the Bells, Jesu, Came Upon a Midnight Clear, While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night, Sleep, Holy Child of Bethlehem, Gather Round the Infant King, A Glorias of Christmas

Various : When Love Was Born - Choral Book

Review: The significance of the night Christ was born is told in this simple setting of great arrangements by some of today's most loved arrangers. Only 20 minutes in length, the unison/two-part voicing is accessible for choirs of any size without sacrificing the stirring musical emotions of the season. Featuring thoughtful scriptural narration and Richard Kingsmore's well-crafted choral parts, your choir will shine as they sing of the joyous night When Love Was Born.

Songlist: This Child Was Born for You with Angels We Have Heard on High, Twas the Light Before Christmas, The Night that Christ Was Born, When Love Was Born, Shine On

Larry Pugh : Sacred Singable Solutions

Review: Previously available only in multiple-part editions, these charming, best-selling anthems by well-known composers have been carefully adapted for unison choirs (with an optional second part) of any age. Included are anthems for Palm Sunday, the Christmas season, and a variety of arrangements for general use. Some have optional flute or small percussion parts, but all are also effective simply with piano accompaniment. Indeed, these are "Sacred Singable Solutions" and an invaluable repertoire resource for unison or two-part anthems.

Songlist: Holy Holy Holy, Praise the Lord with Jubilant Song, Bethlehem Child, Sing a Glad Noel, Behold a Tiny Baby, Little Star, Inscription of Hope, Hosanna Praise the Lord

Lloyd Larson : A New and Glorious Morn!

Review: A New and Glorious Morn! reminds us of the reality that, in Christ, the old is gone and the new has come. Through the birth of this tiny baby, the promise of eternal life is now given to anyone who will receive God's message of salvation through faith.

Songlist: Come, Adore the Newborn King!, Prepare for the Coming of the Lord, The Promised King of Heaven, Holy Child of Bethlehem, All Glory Be to God on High!, Rise Up, Shepherd, Go Tell It!

Lloyd Larson & Mark Hayes : Seekers of the Light

Review: The world was lost in darkness. Roman oppression weighed heavily and God's people were awaiting a Messiah. There were astrologers...literally following the light of the heavens and prophecies of the coming Messiah. But there were other "seekers of the Light": Mary and Joseph, simple shepherds in a field, and the prophets. Then, it happened. The Light of the World was born. Follow the respective journeys of these "seekers of the light" to learn what we can from their sojourns. May we likewise seek and find The Light for our journey...and transform our lives with a fresh touch of God's miraculous grace and gift of Love. (30 minutes).

Tom Fettke and Jay Rouse : City of Hope

Review: In a world of uncertainty comes this Christmas musical centered on hope...the Hope of the world found in the coming of Christ. The uncommonly creative talents of Tom Fettke and Jay Rouse are paired for the first time ever in this joyful and moving work. At approximately 40 minutes in length, it features a masterful blend of carols and beautiful new songs.

James Curnow : Hymns and Carols for Worship

Review: Hymns and Carols for Worship is a collection of some of the world's finest hymns and carols, delightfully arranged in fresh settings. Written with the intermediate vocalist in mind, this product is designed to be accessible, yet interesting. The accompaniment CD (included with the book) provides a demonstration performance of each solo. It also allows the vocalist to practice or perform with the CD when an accompanist is not available. There are 2 versions of each accompaniment track - one in the key published in the book, and one in a higher register.

Songlist: Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, When I Survey The Wondrous Cross, We Three Kings, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Immortal, Invincible, Jolly Old St. Nicholas, When Peace Like A River, Away In a Manger, Fairest Lord Jesus, Coventry Carol

Voicing: Medium
Style: Contemporary Christian

Mark Hayes : The Mark Hayes Vocal Solo Collection: 10 Christmas Songs for Solo Voice

Review: Award winning composer, arranger, pianist and recording artist Mark Hayes has crafted an exquisite anthology of Christmas arrangements for solo voice, including traditional carols, art songs, masterworks and spirituals. Reflecting the arranger's mastery of vocal accompaniment, the piano partners with the voice in true art song style. Available in medium high and medium low voicings, this collection also features accompaniment and full-performance recordings on compact disc with Mark Hayes at the piano.

Songlist: Bring a Torch, Jeannette, Isabella, Away in a Manger, Sing Joy!, Midnight Noel, Gesu Bambino, Silent Night, Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming, O Holy Night, The Coventry, Carol, Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child

Voicing: Medium Low

Royal School of Church Music : The Carol Book with CD

Review: This new comprehensive resource for Christmas, Advent, and Epiphany not only offers one of the largest collections of carols ever published, but a range of support material that sets totally new standards in Christmas publishing. The Carol Book includes 150 carols in various settings, service outlines, prayers, readings, and blessings that will enhance your worship. It also includes a CD-ROM containing clip-art, service layouts, instrumental parts, and carol texts that you can paste into your service sheets. Edited by David Iliff and John Barnard, the carols from this book are an indispensable resource that reminds us why Christmas is so special to us. Each song in The Carol Book is formatted to be suitable for photocopying. Permission to reprint can be obtained from OneLicense.net.CD-ROM includes acompaniments without interlined words, accompaniments with guitar chords, accompaniments with solo instrumental parts, audio accompaniments, instrumental and orchestral parts, texts of all carols, prayers and other liturgical material, sets of readings, dramatised version of traditional readings, outline orders of service and clip art for carol service or concert programmes.ÊDownload the complete contents

Dale Mathews : Here We Come a'Caroling - Accompaniment CD (Split)

Review: Each year as December rolls around, one of the first reminders that Christmastime is upon us is the music that fills the air! We can't help but join in as we sing songs of the season - songs that inspire the joy and spirit of Christmas, songs that will lead your choir and congregation in worship of the King - giving voice to the wonder surrounding the story of the birth of Christ.

Some songs take us back to the simple joys of childhood, others share the timeless truths of that first Christmas night. HERE WE COME a'CAROLING introduces inspiring new songs, such as the title song and the Gospel-flavored "Joyful, Wonderful News!", along with popular Christian radio songs of the season, like Chris Tomlin's "It's Christmas." And of course, with a title like HERE WE COME a'CAROLING, you just know there's going to be plenty of opportunity to sing along with some of your favorite carols!

Dale Mathews : Light of Bethlehem

Review: Easy-to-Learn, Easy-to-Sing are the hallmarks of this popular series from Word Music & Church Resources...built on a foundation of great arrangements from some of today's leading arrangers, expertly repurposed into a Unison Choir format, and featuring accompaniment tracks that will make your choir sound bigger than life (along with an Accompaniment DVD designed to give your presentation the same flair and impact you would normally expect to find in much bigger, more elaborate productions!). This joyous, fun and simple musical is great for choirs that are challenged on resources and rehearsal time, yet big on spirit, talent and heart! Perfectly appropriate for choirs of any size, Light of Bethlehem lends a delightful opportunity to grow and expand the performance options of smaller choirs, while also offering perfect "practically-no-rehearsal needed" material for larger, more experienced choirs.

Light of Bethlehem is sure to distinguish your choir from the rest, and enable your music ministry to far exceed everyone's expectations. Let the easy-learn-easy-sing unison format of Word's Very Simply Series enhance your choir's ability and give you the leadership resource you need to encourage them to present their most powerful Christmas program to date!

Dale Mathews : Noel, Christ Is Born!

Review: Word Music & Church Resources' best-selling Unison/2-Part Choir, easy-learn, easy-sing imprint, the Very Simply Word Series, is proud to present its newest release, Noel, Christ Is Born! What better way to kick-off the Christmas season than with joyous songs of celebration? Your congregation will love these newly arranged songs, such as Christ Is Come with O Come, All Ye Faithful; Light of the World; The Wonder of It All, and more, specially arranged for unison/2-part choirs! Creating the perfect celebratory Christmas service, Noel, Christ Is Born! will be an impactful performance your choir and congregation will never forget.

Dale Matthews : Glorious Song, Marvelous Light

Review: Easy-to-Learn, Easy-to-Sing are the hallmarks of this popular series from Word Music & Church Resources. Each musical in the Very Simply Word Series is built on a foundation of great selections by some of today's leading arrangers, each of the songs having been expertly repurposed into a Unison Choir (Optional 2-Part) format. Each musical in the series features epic-sounding accompaniment tracks, designed to make your choir sound bigger than life. GLORIOUS SONG, MARVELOUS LIGHT is sure to allow your choir to stand out from the rest. Let the Easy-to-Learn-Easy-to-Sing unison format of Word Music & Church Resource's Very Simply Word Series enhance your choir's outreach, as you encourage them in presenting their most powerful Christmas program ever!

Daniel Semsen : Cool Yule

Review: Following on the heels of Kaleidoscope (the new Modern Youth Choir collection from Word Music & Church Resources) comes COOL YULE, an awesome new 6-song Christmas collection by West Coastbased arranger and uber programmer, Daniel Semsen. Arranged for student choirs and vocal ensembles (better known as Modern Youth Choirs), COOL YULE is edgy and intense, next-generation, forward-leaning, bleeding-edge music for your Youth Choir's Christmas presentation.COOL YULE is jam-packed full of contemporary seasonal songs, designed for life-changing student ministry opportunities. Featuring songs originally made popular by artists such as Hillsong Young & Free, TobyMac, Hillsong Worship and more, COOL YULE delivers a wide variety of musical styles and formats designed to help your Modern Youth Choir present their coolest Christmas concert ever, with the true message of Christmas front and center!

Daniel Semsen : Season of Joy - A Celtic Christmas Celebration

Review: Combining the passion of Celtic musical traditions and the joyous celebration of Christ's birth, SEASON OF JOY offers a spectacular collection of new and beloved seasonal songs that will perfectly complement any Christmas program. Acclaimed arranger/orchestrator Daniel Semsen has brilliantly married traditional Celtic instrumentation with a vibrant contemporary sound. Featuring four new songs by Keith and Kristyn Getty, this one-of-a-kind musical combines such Irish classics as "The Wexford Carol" with exciting new Celtic-inspired arrangements of Chris Tomlin's "Emmanuel (Hallowed Manger Ground)" and Travis Cottrell's "Jesus Saves." A standout offering is the stunning overture, which features fiddles, penny whistles and bagpipes. No less than one dozen familiar carols artfully weave their way through the work, inviting your congregation to fully join the celebration. Two optional narrations, a sequence of dramatic readings and production notes by Deborah Craig-Claar have also been provided, allowing you to customize the work to your presentational needs. This year, share the SEASON OF JOY with your choir, your church and your community.

Marty Parks : The Christmas Song

Review: What better way to celebrate the season than by singing The Christmas Song! Especially designed for Senior Adult Choirs, this musical traces the message of Christmas from prophecy to the angels' announcement right up to this very day. With accessible vocal ranges, large print and no repeats, The Christmas Song is a 35-minute work featuring an exciting blend of familiar carols, newer songs of the season and well-loved worship songs. All in all, an ideal resource for Christmas worship and community outreach. Choral book designed in large print with clearly legible music and text

Voicing: Children

Various : When Love Was Born

Review: The significance of the night Christ was born is told in this simple setting of great arrangements by some of today's most loved arrangers. Only 20 minutes in length, the unison/two-part voicing is accessible for choirs of any size without sacrificing the stirring musical emotions of the season. Featuring thoughtful scriptural narration and Richard Kingsmore's well-crafted choral parts, your choir will shine as they sing of the joyous night When Love Was Born.

Marty Parks : Men Sing Christmas

Review: A heavenly host of great music for men's voices in the Advent and Christmas season. This collection from Marty Parks has established a treasured place in music ministry. The essence of the Christmas story is captured in a variety of styles. Collection includes service openers, anthems, calls to prayer, and benedictions.

Tom Fettke : Ladies Christmas

Review: Tom Fettke has compiled a master list of traditional carols, classics, and contemporary Christmas songs for groups of anywhere from 3 to 300 voices. Ladies Christmas includes 30 songs in 21 arrangements of varying styles. Four of these are a cappella settings. Featured in the collection is The Birthday of a King, minimusical that is perfect for Advent services, Christmas banquets, or other similar occasions.

Tom Fettke : Ladies Sing Christmas

Review: Eighteen Christmas settings (fourteen full-length accompanied arrangements and four a cappella settings) create a treasury of useful materials for worship services, concerts, pageants, or other seasonal events. Includes ballads and up tempo numbers; classic carols and contemporary expressions. Arranged by Tom Fettke. The ultimate resource book for ladies trio, ensemble or choir.