This edition was prepared by Douglas Walczak — free to download, print, rehearse and perform.
Christmas Song
Staff Notation • Sacred, Christmas
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Christmas Song by John Bacchus Dykes — Lyrics
1 Once again, O blessed time,
Thankful hearts embrace thee;
If we lost thy festal chime,
What could e'er replace thee?
What could e'er replace thee?
Change will darken many a day,
Many a bond dissever;
Many a joy shall pass away,
But the "Great Joy" never!
2 Once again the Holy Night
Breathes its blessing tender;
Once again the Manger Light
Sheds its gentle splendour;
O could tongues by Angels taught
Speak our exultation
In the Virgin's Child that brought
All mankind Salvation!
3 Welcome Thou to souls athirst,
Fount of endless pleasure:
Gates of Hell may do their worst,
While we clasp our Treasure:
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About Christmas Song
John Bacchus Dykes' Christmas Song is a devotional SATB setting of an English text that reflects on the enduring joy of Christmas. The music opens with a sense of gentle reverence, building to moments of exultation. The choir embraces the sacred message, contrasting the transient nature of worldly pleasures with the eternal significance of the Nativity. The text speaks of thankfulness, the tender blessing of the Holy Night, and the salvation brought by the Virgin's Child. It concludes with a welcome to Christ as the soul's treasure, even in times of doubt, celebrating the ultimate truth and bliss that the Nativity represents. The piece is suitable for Christmas services or concerts.
