A Child Is Born Upon This Night

This arrangement is an English language version of the Swedish Carol “Ett barn är fött på denna dag” which is itself an adaptation of Martin Luther’s “Vom Himmel hoch, da komm ich her” (From Heaven Above to Earth I Come). This setting retains the melody of the Swedish version, but the new English lyrics draw from both the Swedish and German hymns. Scored for piano or strings, piano, harp, and percussion, this is an upbeat, joyous celebration of the Christmas season using music and text not familiar to most audiences.

Difficulty: Intermediate

Voicing: SATB, SAB, SSA, and TTB

Accompaniment: Piano / Percussion

Optional string orchestra accompaniment available HERE **works with all voicings**

Lyrics:

A child is born upon this night beneath a star so bright, from heaven above to Earth has come, the dark to save us from. This newborn babe of lowly birth brings light to all the Earth. The God who once created all rests in a manger small.

Now let us all with gladsome cheer go with the shepherds near to see the crib marked by a star with Wise Men from afar. Were Earth a thousand times as far, crowned with gold and jewels rare, she yet were far too poor to be a cradle, Lord, for Thee.

My heart for very joy doth leap; I cannot silence keep! With angel choirs I sing along the ancient cradle song of peace on Earth, good will to men, until He comes again to fill the world with truth and light; a Child is born this night!