This edition was prepared by Douglas Walczak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Christ was born on Christmas Day
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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Christ was born on Christmas Day by Purcell James Mansfield — Lyrics
1. Christ was born on Christmas Day
Wreathe the holly, twine the bay
Christus natus hodie
The Babe, The Son, the Holy One of Mary.
Refrain:
Glory, Alleluia!
God hath taken man's estatee
Banish'd is all fear and hate for evermore.
Open is the gate of life to all mankind.
Christ is come, let all adore.
2. He is born to set us free
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About Christ was born on Christmas Day
James Mansfield's Christ was born on Christmas Day is a celebratory anthem for SA voices and piano, suitable for Christmas services. The English text joyfully announces the birth of Christ, invoking traditional imagery of holly and bay, and proclaiming the divine nature of the newborn King. The inclusion of the Latin phrase 'Christus natus hodie' and 'Ex Maria Virgine' adds a historical and liturgical resonance to the piece. The refrain echoes the profound theological significance of the event, emphasizing God's incarnation, the banishment of fear and hate, and the opening of the gate of life to all mankind. It calls for adoration of the newborn Christ, who is presented as both Son and Lord.
