Some of the best choral arrangements and new choral music come from the composer Sally Deford. Everything she writes is available for FREE DOWNLOAD, for church use, through her website, defordmusic.com. I had forgotten about her because it had probably been several years since I had sung in a choir. This Christmas, though, I enjoyed singing with my ward choir; I think every piece we did was by Sally Deford. Here are the lyrics to one that we sang, called As Shepherds Kept Their Lonely Vigil. She wrote the lyrics and the music. (I italicized my favorite parts.)
As shepherds kept their lonely vigil, in the fields abiding
A multitude of heaven's host brought long-awaited tidings:
Gloria in excelsis deo! Peace on earth, good will to men!
Gloria in excelsis deo! Christ is born, born in Bethlehem.
Fear ye not the angel said, let not your hearts be troubled
But get ye up to Bethlehem to seek a lowly stable
Gloria in excelsis deo! Peace on earth, good will to men!
Gloria in excelsis deo! Christ is born, born in Bethlehem.
Ye shall find the holy infant lying in a manger
Come see, and know, and testify, this child shall be our Savior
Gloria in excelsis deo! Peace on earth, good will to men!
Gloria in excelsis deo! Christ is born, born in Bethlehem.
Tell the wond'rous news abroad 'til all the world rejoices
'Til ev'ry tongue shall sing his praise and join with angel voices
Gloria in excelsis deo! Peace on earth, good will to men!
Gloria in excelsis deo! Christ is born, born in Bethlehem.
My favorite Sally DeFord song is "If the Savior Stood Beside Me." She is wonderful! Our RS birthday gift in my new ward is a cd with many of her songs on it--I thought that was a great idea!
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