Stacy's Vocal Advent Calendar

These final songs occur centuries after Christ. They look back on His birth, why He came, and contemplate what we can do now to remember Him.  "I Wonder as I Wander" "I wonder as I wander out under the sky how Jesus the Savior did come for to die for poor ordinary people like you and like I wonder as I wander out under the sky. When Mary birthed Jesus 'twas in a cow's stall, with wise men and farmers and shepherds and all. But high from God's heaven a star's light did fall, and the promise of ages it then did recall. If Jesus had wanted for any wee thing, a star in the sky, or a bird on the wing, or all of God's angels in heav'n for to sing, He surely could have it, 'cause he was the King. Scriptures Mosiah 3:5-10 Moroni 9:25-26 "Still, Still, Still" "Still, still, still, one can hear the falling snow. For all is hushed, The world is sleeping, Holy Star its vigil keeping. Sleep, sleep, sleep. ''Tis the eve of our Saviour...

The next set of songs refer to the wise men, to the gifts they brought to Jesus, and to the gifts that we could bring to Jesus. Scripture Matthew 2:1-11 (condensed written here. Read the whole account up through verse 18 for context to the song "Coventry Carol)  Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. For thus it is written by the prophet, And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel. When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the ...

This set of songs are lullabies written for Jesus, usually about how Mary holds him tenderly and sings him to sleep. Luke 2:17-19 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. The Condescension of Jesus Christ "Jesus, Jesus Rest Your Head" Lyrics: Jesus Jesus rest your head, lying in a manger bed. All the mortal folk on earth sleep in feathers at their birth. Have you heard about our Jesus? Have you heard about his fate? How his mother went to the stable on that Christmas Eve so late? Winds were blowing, cows were lowing. Stars were glowing, glowing, glowing. To that manger came then wise men bringing gifts from hin and yon for the mother and the father and the blessed little son. Shepherds left their fields and flocks and sat beside the ass and ox. Jesus, Jesus rest...

This set of songs refer to others seeing the signs and coming to adore Jesus at his birth. Though they're fictional, we have many songs like these in our traditional Christmas music. I think these types of songs help people personalize themselves there at the birth, which in turn helps them internalize the event more. "Do You Hear What I Hear?" Said the night wind to the little lamb Do you see what I see? Way up in the sky, little lamb Do you see what I see? A star, a star, dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite With a tail as big as a kite Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear? Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear? A song, a song high above the trees With a voice as big as the sea With a voice as big as the sea Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king Do you know what I know? In your palace warm, mighty king Do you know what I know? A Child, a Child shivers in the cold Let us bring him silver and gold Let us ...

I first heard this song in high school choir, and was surprised to discover a Christmas song that was so sad. Even in minor key, Christmas songs tend to be joyous (such as "God Rest Ye Merry Gentleman"). This song, however, is mournful because it refers to King Herod's massacre of all the young children and that Jesus' family would have to flee to Egypt in order to escape the same fate. The melody is heartbreaking, but also incredibly beautiful. I'm nearly in tears at the end of it as I move to turn off the camera. Scripture: Matthew 2: 1-18 Lyrics: Lullay, thou little tiny child Bye-bye, lully, lullay Oh sisters two, how may we do For to preserve on this day This poor youngling for whom we sing Bye-bye, lully, lullay Herod the king in his raging Charged he hath this day His men or might in his own sight All young children to slay That woe is me, poor child, for thee And ever mourn and say For thy parting, neither say nor sing Bye-bye, lully, lullay  

If I could have only learned one new song this year, this would have been it. Last year I watched a lovely recording of a mezzo soprano singing this song while rocking her violinist's baby boy. It was so sweet and beautiful that I knew it had to be the next Christmas song I learned. I looked up the sheet music and found I could spend $7 on a copy of this song or buy a book it's in for $12. I went with the book option figuring I'd find enough other songs to make it worth the extra $5. I've already posted three other songs from it ("O Come Little Children," "Infant Holy, Infant Lowly," and "Coventry Carol"). It was a good buy! Lyrics "Joseph, Dearest Joseph mine, Help me cradle the Child divine. God reward thee and all that’s thine, In paradise," so prays the virgin Mary. "Gladly dear one, Lady mine Help I cradle this Child divine" "God’s own light on us both shall shine, In paradise," as prays the mother Mary. H...

This Polish carol dates back hundreds of years, though it wasn't translated into English until 1920. Those of you who have attended Primary singing time for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will recognize the tune from a song with a different title and different lyrics - "Stars Were Gleaming." Lyrics Infant holy, Infant lowly, For His bed a cattle stall; Oxen lowing, Little knowing Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Swift are winging Angels singing, Noels ringing, Tidings bringing, Christ the Babe is Lord of all. Flocks were sleeping, Shepherds keeping Vigil till the morning new,; Saw the glory, Heard the story, Tidings of a Gospel true. Thus rejoicing, Free from sorrow, Praises voicing, Greet the morrow, Christ the Babe was born for you! I was thrilled when we got Tyler's new piano book and found there was a piano duet of the same song we could play together. Tyler's level A books just told him the letter names of the notes and where to put his finger...

The next set of songs all refer to the nativity scene itself - the newborn baby laid in a manger surrounded by animals and other admirers. "The Snow Lay on the Ground" Scriptures Matthew 1:18-21  Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick example, was minded to put her away privily. But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Luke 1:1-7  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. And all went to be t...

This next set of songs all refer to the account of the shepherds near Bethlehem who hear the angels proclaim the birth of Jesus and follow the star to find him. "O Come Away" aka "Quittez Pasteurs" Scripture Luke 2:8-20 (condensed) And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. And it came to pass, as the ang...

"The Angel Gabriel"  or " Gabriel's Message " Here we move on to the next part of the Christmas story - Gabriel's appearance to Mary revealing she would one day become the mother of Jesus.  Scripture  Luke 1:26-35, 38  And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, to a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin’s name was Mary. And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of h...

This French carol was not originally intended to be sung at Christmas; it was considered dance music among the French nobility. To this day, on Christmas Eve in the Provence region where the carol originated, children dressed as shepherds and milkmaids carry torches and candles while singing the carol, on their way to Midnight Mass. Lyrics: Bring a torch, Jeanette, Isabella Bring a torch, come swiftly and run Christ is born! Tell the folk of the village Jesus is sleeping in his cradle Ah! Ah! Beautiful is the Mother Ah! Ah! Beautiful is the son! Hasten now, good folk of the village Hasten now the Christ child to see. You will find him asleep in the manger. Quietly come and whisper softly Hush! Hush! Peacefully now he slumbers. Peacefully now he sleeps.

This is a Christmas song I'd only ever heard as a choral arrangement. It's originally in German, though I'm a bit of a Christmas song fanatic, and I've never heard it performed in German. Typically it's sung pretty rapidly, with a feel similar to a quick march. I found this lovely, considerably slowed down, arrangement in a new songbook this year.  Lyrics Oh, come, little children, oh, come, one and all, To Bethlehem's stable, in Bethlehem's stall. And see with rejoicing this glorious sight, Our Father in heaven has sent us this night. Oh, see in the manger, in hallowèd light A star throws its beam on this holiest sight. In clean swaddling clothes lies the heavenly Child, More lovely than angels, this Baby so mild. Oh, there lies the Christ Child, on hay and on straw; The shepherds are kneeling before Him with awe. And Mary and Joseph smile on Him with love, While angels are singing sweet songs from above.

  "Exultate, Jubilate" Scripture Mosiah 3:3-5 (condensed)  I am come to declare unto you glad tidings of great joy. For the Lord hath heard thy prayers, and hath sent me to declare unto thee that thou mayest rejoice; and that thou mayest declare unto thy people, that they may also be filled with joy. For behold, the time cometh, and is not far distant, that with power, the Lord Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay. " Rejoice, resound with joy, Oh you blessed souls, singing sweet songs.  In response to your singing let the heavens sing forth with me ." Facebook shares  "Exultate, Jubilate" and "Alleluia" "Lo How a Rose E're Blooming (Es ist ein Ros Entsprungen)" Scriptures Isaiah 7:14 -  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call h...