Nativities by Grace Christus

“Nativities” is an album of eight Christmas songs from around the world arranged and performed on piano by Grace Christus. Many of these are rarely heard.

track 1: Silent Night
This the mostly widely known and beloved Christmas carol in the world. The words were written in 1819 by Josef Mohr, with music written by Franz Xaver Gruber.

track 2: Carol of the Bells/ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
This is a combining of the Ukrainian carol and one of the oldest carols known, the English “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.

track 3: Carol of the Birds/ ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime
Carol of the Birds is a lovely Spanish (Catalan) song which tells of the birds announcing the birth of Christ. ‘Twas in the Moon of Wintertime (Jesus Ahatonnia) was originally written in the Huron language in 1643 by Father Jean de Brebeuf, a missionary to the native communities in Canada. Both these songs start with the same five notes and have a similar haunting quality.


track 4: La Jornada (The Journey)
Venezuela. This song is in keeping with the South American custom of re-enacting Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and looking for lodging so Mary can give birth.

track 5: In the Midst of a Dark Night
Ukraine. This is a beautiful melody that depicts Mary singing to the Baby Jesus of the joys and sorrows of His mission on earth.

track 6: Jesus is Born Today
Romanian. This is a carol that Romanian children like to sing. It is usually accompanied by drums.

track 7: There Was a Path (Byla cesta)
Moravia, Czech Republic. This early 29th century carol has a haunting, almost hypnotic quality. It tells the story of Mary meeting Elizabeth as she follows a path. She gives birth to Jesus when all the water is frozen, but she is able to bathe her Son with clear running water. This song can be heard by Kitka, an eastern European singing group that draws heavily from folk traditions. My treatment of it was inspired by Graham Sparkman’s performance in his “Nativity Fire” album.

track 8: He Was Born in a Manger
Uganda/Nigeria. My heartfelt gratitude to missionary David Mporampora sharing with me the wonderful joyous song.