Music Box
January 1, 2023
Jubal Joslyn, tenor
Cathryn Wilkinson, organ and piano
Prelude
A child to us is Born……arr. Emma Lou Diemer
‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime……arr. Denis Bédard
Creator of the Stars of Night……arr. Richard Warner
My Lord, What A Morning……arr. Richard Billingham
Hail the day, so rich in cheer!……arr. J. S. Bach
Offertory
‘Twas in the moon of wintertime……arr. Mark Hayes
Communion
Breath of Heaven……Chris Eaton
Postlude
Toccata on “Joy to the World”……arr. Craig Phillips
The Story of A Carol
Today we sing “In dulci jubilo” today to the text “Good Christian Friends, Rejoice!” This anonymous 14th-century carol is one of the oldest in the Christian tradition, breaking with many centuries of singing in the older style of freely flowing plainchant in Catholic churches. Originally a folk dance, the carol was part of a movement to include the congregation more actively in singing in their everyday German language while the clergy sang in Latin. “In dulci jubilo” is Latin for “In sweet joy.” Some English versions of this hymn text also include another Latin phrase, “Alpha es et O,” the beginning and the ending, which is an appropriate thought for New Year’s Day.