This is another Carol for those looking for something different. It is from the Heaven Shall Not Wait book available from Wild Goose.
CPDL says:
Hodie Christus natus est (English Today Christ is born) is the Antiphon to the Magnificat, sung on the vespers on Christmas Day.
Bell takes that and adds his own lyrics.
It is described as a choral piece but may invite participation in the refrain. The verses switch from 4/4 to 6/8 to liven things up.
Chorus: Hodie, hodie, Christus natus est.
Hodie, hodie, Christus natus est.
1 Gloria in excelsus: pax in terra.
Gloria in excelsus: pax in terra.
2 Wanted and unwanted, spoken and unsaid,
Christ, the Word incarnate, finds, near us, his bed.
3 Spotlights, crowds and fanfares miss this tiny guest;
Those who few would welcome at his birth are blessed.
4 Though he lives in danger, cause of Herod’s plight,
Love surrounds the manger: nothing shades his light.
5 Centuries thereafter Christ still comes again;
Comes with threat and promise now as much as then.
Words and Music © 1987 WGRG, Iona Community, Glasgow G2 3DH, Scotland