This edition was prepared by Lee Lovallo — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
An Anthem for Christmas
Staff Notation • Sacred, Anthems
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An Anthem for Christmas by William Billings — Lyrics
Billings' Lyrics
Hark! Hark! Hear you not,
Hear you not a cheerful noise
Which make the heavens ring with joy.
See where light stars angels fly
A thousand heavenly echoes cry:
Behold, I bring you glad tidings
Unto you and to all people,
For unto you this day is born
a Savior which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you,
You shall find the babe meanly wrapped
In swaddling bands and lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angels
A multitude of the heavenly host,
And they were praising God and saying:
Glory to God, Glory to God in the highest.
O how can men forbear to sing
When earth with angels' notes do ring?
Then join all your voices,
Read full lyrics
About An Anthem for Christmas
William Billings crafts a jubilant SATB anthem celebrating the Nativity. The music opens with a sense of bright expectation, building with joyous affirmation as the text unfolds. Billings’ characteristic robust energy is evident throughout, capturing the profound wonder and exultation of the Christmas story. The choir proclaims the angel's message of glad tidings and the birth of a Savior, culminating in a powerful evocation of the heavenly host praising God. The composer urges all voices to join in a unified chorus, reflecting the universal joy of this sacred occasion. This is a spirited setting of familiar Christmas texts, perfect for a festive congregational gathering.
