Our God and King
This simple text portrays some of the iconic scenes associated with Jesus Christ’s birth. Power and grandiosity in the references to His kingship and divinity are contrasted with the commonplace surroundings of His humble birth. In turn, a simplistic melody and lilting meter are contrasted by a rich harmonic palette and expansive dynamic climaxes. This juxtaposition is intended to emphasize the contrast between Jesus’ humble, human birth and His divine identity as our God and King.
DATE
2013DURATION
3 minutesINSTRUMENTATION
Choir, SATTBPiano
Alternate Instrumentation
2 Trumpets in C
Horn in F
Trombone
Tuba
TEXT
Our God and King was born this holy night
In low estate: a humble sight.
No palace walls, no silken bed,
On manger hay He lay His head.
Yet Mary’s soul and spirit sang with joy,
For God had blessed her with a boy;
The Son of God, Emmanuel,
Who on the throne will ever dwell.
The shepherds came to see the newborn child,
The King of kings yet meek and mild.
They gazed with awe at this young boy
And shared with all their new-found joy.
The wise men traveled far to see the King,
The finest gold and spice did bring.
They knew the star would shine its light
Upon this King, oh what a sight!
Our God and King was born this holy night;
The star above was burning bright.
The heavenly host sang praise with might,
For Christ was born, our saving light!
COMMISSION
Tenth Presbyterian ChurchPREMIERE
December 23, 2013Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA
Westminster Brass, Tenth Chamber Players, Tenth Church Choir, Luke Carlson (cond.)
RECORDING
Westminster Brass, Tenth Chamber Players, Tenth Church Choir, Luke Carlson (cond.)