A highway for our God

"A highway for our God" is a stirring Advent anthem that brings the prophetic words of Isaiah to life. Lloyd Larson’s setting captures the urgency and majesty of John the Baptist’s call to prepare the way of the Lord. From the opening male voices to the soaring high descant at the climax, the piece builds a sense of joyful anticipation that fits perfectly into the weeks leading up to Christmas.

In the choir loft, this anthem offers a wonderful opportunity to showcase different sections of the ensemble. The men lay the foundation before the sopranos and altos take up the call, eventually weaving together in full four-part harmony. When the text proclaims that "every valley shall be lifted up," the music itself seems to rise, reminding the congregation of the hope and transformation that Christ's coming brings to the world.