SATB a cappella or SSA a cappella, 4'
SATB version premiered by International Orange Chorale, December 2018
SSA version premiered by Accord Treble Choir, December 2019
In 2017 I decided to write a Christmas carol. Unable to find a text that really spoke to me, I wrote my own, imagining how Joseph and Mary must have felt at the birth of their child—probably, I surmised, much like how I myself felt at the birth of my own two children. I think this is one reason why Christmas tends to touch us all so deeply: the beauty and innocence of a newborn child is felt instinctively and universally.
SATB version premiered by International Orange Chorale, December 2018
SSA version premiered by Accord Treble Choir, December 2019
In 2017 I decided to write a Christmas carol. Unable to find a text that really spoke to me, I wrote my own, imagining how Joseph and Mary must have felt at the birth of their child—probably, I surmised, much like how I myself felt at the birth of my own two children. I think this is one reason why Christmas tends to touch us all so deeply: the beauty and innocence of a newborn child is felt instinctively and universally.
SATB Version score sample
SSA Version score sample
Text by Michael T Roberts
O child
Perfectly whole in the straw
Perfectly bathed in the light of the star
O child
Perfectly cast in the likeness of God
His touch still warm upon your brow
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
O child
Before you open your eyes
Remember His perfect face, His perfect love
O child
Hold it fast within you
To carry you through every trial
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
O child of mine
Open your perfect eyes
See my imperfect face
Longing to understand
Oh, I feel your perfect heart
Here in my trembling arms
O child
Hear the angels adore you
See the kings kneel before you
And know you are loved
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
O child
O child
Perfectly whole in the straw
Perfectly bathed in the light of the star
O child
Perfectly cast in the likeness of God
His touch still warm upon your brow
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
O child
Before you open your eyes
Remember His perfect face, His perfect love
O child
Hold it fast within you
To carry you through every trial
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
O child of mine
Open your perfect eyes
See my imperfect face
Longing to understand
Oh, I feel your perfect heart
Here in my trembling arms
O child
Hear the angels adore you
See the kings kneel before you
And know you are loved
Emmanuel, Emmanuel
O child