On Christmas

Conductor Notes:

SSA choir, unison children’s choir, tenor soloist, and piano

On Christmas is a sparkling mash-up of two carols in 6/8 time, both of which include the title words: I Saw Three Ships and Sussex Carol. Skillfully written for the skill levels of the two choirs, this piece positively sparkles with energy and joy. The commission was supported by the Vancouver Foundation, the BC Arts Council, and the Diane Loomer Commissioning Fund for Elektra Women’s Choir, as part of our three-year Celebrating Women Composers project (https://elektra.ca/outreach/celebrating-women-composers/).

I saw three ships come sailing in

I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
I saw three ships come sailing in
On Christmas Day in the morning

Wither sailed those ships all three
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Wither sailed those ships all three
On Christmas Day in the morning

Oh they sailed into Bethlehem
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
They sailed into Bethlehem
On Christmas Day in the morning

And all the bells on earth shall ring
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the bells on earth shall ring
On Christmas Day in the morning

And all the souls on earth shall sing
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
And all the souls on earth shall sing
On Christmas Day in the morning

Then let us all rejoice again
On Christmas Day, on Christmas Day
Then let us all rejoice again
On Christmas Day in the morning

Sussex Carol

On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring
On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear the news the angels bring

News of great joy news of great mirth
News of our merciful King’s birth
When from our sin he set us free
All for to gain our liberty?

Then why should we on earth be so sad
Since our Redeemer made us glad
Then why should we on earth be so sad
Since our Redeemer made us glad

When sin departs before his grace
Then life and health come in its place
When in its place, angels and all with joy may sing
All for to see the newborn King

All out of darkness we have light
Which made the angels sing this night
Glory to God and peace to men
Now and forever more, Amen.