LET THERE BE PEACE ON EARTH

"Let There Be Peace On Earth" is one of those rare choral pieces that feels both like a quiet personal prayer and a sweeping communal plea. Written by Sy Miller and Jill Jackson, this arrangement by Hawley Ades gives choirs a beautiful way to sing about unity. The message is simple but profound: true harmony in the world has to start in our own hearts and our own daily actions.

In the choir loft, we often bring this out when the liturgy calls for a deep reflection on unity, perhaps as a recessional hymn or during a special prayer service for peace. The melody flows gently, starting in unison before expanding into rich harmonies as the text moves from a quiet wish to a "solemn vow." Singing "With God as our Father, brothers all are we" reminds the congregation of our shared humanity and the spiritual foundation of true peace.

What makes this arrangement so moving to sing is how it builds. It asks us to take each moment and live it in peace eternally, culminating in a powerful, full-voiced final plea before offering an optional hushed ending. It leaves the church not just with a beautiful sound, but with a personal mission to carry out into the world.