Ken Medema brings us a unique sounding celebration of Christ's birth as only he could imagine it. The chorale-like opening of this anthem soon segues to a lyrical, yet rhythmic "celestial celebration" of the birth of Christ.

This anthem was featured in our recent church clinic, but in case you missed the clinic, you don't want to miss this, my favorite this year!  For those with sopranos of limited tessitura and more altos than sopranos, Dan divides the altos and keeps the sopranos no higher than an F. The text is perfect for Christmastide and Dan's harmonies are lush. 

Dan Forrest has this wonderful carol being carried on the fluttering wings of the 1 Piano - 4 Hands accompaniment. He wisely has the divisi in the ladies parts, which also portrays that "angelic" sound (sorry, guys!).  There are also two optional instrumental accompaniments available, one for violin and percussion, and one for full orchestra.

This is not new, but an anthem I don't want you to miss. Handbells or chimes add to the ethereal quality, making it a perfect processional or opening for Christmas Eve service, or at any time during the Advent season.

Another "not-new" anthem, but a wonderful setting of a Brian Wren text. It dances into your heart and becomes an earworm of delight. It seems most appropriate for these troubled times we are enduring.