WATCH:
Doctrinal Content
To remind the children that Christ, our God and King, humbled Himself, became man and was born in a stable amidst the animals.
Origin of Text
Written for the ancient celebration of the Flight to Egypt
English text by Robert Davis 1881-1950
Origin of Melody
Orientis Partibus / 13th century hymn by Pierre de Corbell, priest and bishop
Harmonized by Richard Redhead and Ralph Vaughn Williams
Musical Analysis
Major Key
Time Signature – 3/4
Note values – eighth, quarter, half, dotted half
Intervals – ascending and descending Major 3rd, ascending and descending minor 3rd, ascending
5th, descending 4th
Teaching Recommendations
Repeating phrases make this piece easy to sing and memorize.
Rhymes in the poetry help the youngest children memorize the words.
It is not recommended with children who are not yet reading to ask them to sing more than one
verse
Copyright
Melody – Public Domain
Text – Public Domain