Rejoice! Christ is Born

When the choir needs a burst of pure, rhythmic energy for the Christmas season, this arrangement of a traditional Finnish folk melody is a wonderful choice. "Rejoice! Christ is Born" moves with a bright, dancing step, calling everyone—from the shepherds in the fields to the people in the pews—to gather and celebrate the Nativity. The melody itself has a driving, joyful momentum that feels both rustic and triumphant.

Joseph Martin’s arrangement builds beautifully, layering the voices over a steady, percussive pulse. It starts with an invitation to "put away all doubt and fear," before breaking into the Latin exclamation "Hodie! Christus natus est!" (Today! Christ is born!). For a choir, the fun lies in keeping the diction crisp and the tempo buoyant. It is a fantastic piece for a Christmas concert or as a lively post-Communion reflection during the festive season, leaving the congregation with a resounding message of good cheer.