Just hearing the word 'Christmas' fills our hearts with joy.
It brings to mind images of families gathering together to exchange gifts, sharing meals with relatives and friends, decorating the house with twinkling lights, Christmas trees, and candles, and listening to Christmas carols at home and in church.
But more than anything, Christmas is a time for all who rejoice in the birth of Christ to share and celebrate His love for coming to this earth.
Christmas is a story about a baby.
His name is Jesus! This is the true meaning of Christmas.


At the time of Jesus' birth, the world was in great turmoil under the harsh rule of King Herod.
It was a time of lost hope and full of suffering.
The people who had not heard the word of God for 400 years were going through a period of spiritual darkness.
Their only hope was to wait for the Savior whom the prophets had long foretold.


In this cantata, these stories are set to music with familiar tunes, Christmas carols, and uplifting melodies.
Beginning with an overture played by instruments (or piano), the choir enters singing the Advent hymn “Come, Lord, Emmanuel,” which is sung to the tune of “Greensleeves.”
The story of Mary's hymn, the shepherds' story, the joy of birth, and the baby Jesus lying in a quiet manger are then told through readings and various musical pieces.
The sole intention of this work is to tell the story of Jesus Christ, the King whom God sent to this earth to redeem the world.
Because this is the true meaning of Christmas.


Enriched by Ed Hogan's orchestration, this work can be performed with a full orchestra, but since the piano accompaniment score already expresses rich colors, it can be performed with a choice of instruments (or with only the piano accompaniment) depending on the circumstances of each church.
In addition to the 4-part (SATB) choir, a 3-part (SAB) version has also been carefully prepared so that small choirs can perform it.
The performance time is approximately 35 minutes, and there is also a part practice room for each part to help you learn the song.
This work can be adapted to suit the circumstances of each church and can be performed simply with two readers.
However, I urge those who perform this song to take time to reflect on why we celebrate and rejoice at Christmas, and to be reminded of the meaning of this good news.
This is the Christmas story.