This peaceful, soulful setting of a beautiful text, I found years ago. When I wrote it I was reminiscing of some of the Appalachian spirituals I’ve sung. It was originally set for my children’s Christmas songbook, “O Sing a Song of Bethlehem,” and then arranged for TTBB to be sung by my 3 brothers and I at a Christmas service (I released it at that time on ChoirWorks.com). I’ve been thinking about revoicing it for SATB for years; my 365 Days of Christmas Project gave me the impetus to finally get it done, and I think it turned out nicely:

• On Bethlehem’s Silent Plan (SATB) : Free Sheet Music PDF
• On Bethlehem’s Silent Plan (TTBB) : Free Sheet Music PDF

• On Bethlehem’s Silent Plan (SATB) : Midi Realization MP3

The Text:
On Bethlehem’s silent plain, the stars shone bright,
While faithful shepherds watched their flocks by night.
And as they watching lay upon the ground,
A Glory came from heav’n and shone around.

The simple shepherds’ hearts were filled with fear:
For lo! an angel stood among them there.
“Fear not,” the Angel said, “Good news I bring,
This night to you is born a Savior King.”

“In swaddling clothes the babe shall be arrayed,
And you will find him in a manger laid.”
And lo! A shining host was with him there
and filled with song of praise the midnight air.

And now on Christmas Eve, when stars are bright,
We sing with joy the song they sung that night;
Glad tidings of great joy Proclaim again;
Of peace upon the earth Goodwill to men.
Good will to men. Of peace upon the earth Good will to men.