This is a Christmas song for the brave and ridiculously talented. It is by Matt Maher and is a triumph but I hurt my hand trying to play it on guitar and it took a lot longer than usual to get into Band in a Box. 12/8 time + 2 key changes + intricate instrumental passages are enough to defeat most of us I think but hey if you’re game give a go.
The text is at spiritandsong where the sheet music can be purchased for download.
My backing uses the wonderful Irish styles in BIAB:
This is explosive original and note the comments from music directors:
This parish has a red hot go and does a terrific job, but even they can’t quite get the rhythm spot on and consequently the singing is a bit stiff until near the end when they have loosened up. They use a flute for the trills. Then again I wouldn’t even attempt this at a reasonable hour and this was midnight mass.
This blog has an appreciation of the song and embeds a much more laid back version.
OCP has a more traditional hymn-style version of this song in its newest Journeysongs and Glory & Praise hymnals. Written in 4/4 (and a couple 2/4 measures in the verses) with the bridge being turned into a verse, it has a very different feel, but definitely makes it easier to manage.