A Savior is Born

This year I had the opportunity to sing with the BYU choirs at the Celebration of Christmas concert, and we sang a piece that really moved me. It really captured what Christmas is about and what Christ's birth actually means for us today. I've posted a recording of last year's performance of the piece to this blog, but it's a little hard to understand the words in some places. Open the link in a new tab or window so you can follow along with the words:

Carol Of Joy

"Green leaves all fallen, withered and dry;
Brief sunset fading, dim winter sky.
Lengthening shadows,
Dark closing in...

Then, through the stillness, carols begin!

Oh fallen world, to you is the song--
Death holds you fast and night tarries long.

Jesus is born, your curse to destroy!
Sweet to your ears, a carol of Joy!

Pale moon ascending, solemn and slow;
Cold barren hillside, shrouded in snow;
Deep, empty valley veiled by the night;
Hear angel music--hopeful and bright!

Oh fearful world, to you is the song--
Peace with your God, and pardon for wrong!
Tidings for sinners, burdened and bound--

A carol of joy!

A Saviour is found!

Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes!
Thrill to the chorus filling the skies!
Look up sad hearted--witness God's love!
Join in the carol swelling above!

Oh friendless world, to you is the song!
All Heaven's joy to you may belong!
You who are lonely, laden, forlorn--
Oh fallen world!
Oh friendless world!

To you,

A Saviour is born!"

I hope that amidst the sorrow and pain of the world we can remember our Savior and the peace he brings, and I wish you all a very merry Christmas. :)