Discover Worship - Church Choir Resources

Once Upon a Holy Night: The Story of Christmas in Song

Written by Jaymey Hardin | Oct 22, 2023 2:08:43 PM

The greatest story of all time began on a silent, holy night more than 2,000 years ago. And on that night, the Son of God came to earth in the form of a precious baby named Jesus–and the hope of the world was born! 

The songs below tell that true, amazing, life-changing story with beautifully arranged pieces from Phillip Keveren, John Patrick, Dennis Allen, and others. With blended and contemporary offerings these songs will serve a wide variety of musical tastes–most importantly, they tell the story of Christmas while focusing our hearts in worship to Jesus as we celebrate His birth!
 
And you won't want to miss the special arrangement of the Discover Worship favorite, "Once Upon a Holy Night with Silent Night." Arranged by Bradley Knight and Regi Stone for soloist and choir, this delicately re-imagined piece offers a beautiful contrast to the original and concludes with the soothing chorus of "Silent Night." You'll definitely want to consider the following pieces as you make your Christmas preparations!

SATB (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
O Holy Night!
Arranged by Dennis Allen
Dennis Allen's majestic arrangement of this Christmas standard is sure to be a high point in any Christmas gathering. Arranged for SATB choir, this straight-forward, traditional interpretation will fit nicely into any Christmas-themed service or cantata.

DUET (EASY)
O Come All Ye Faithful w/ O Holy Night
Arranged by Karen England, Nancy Groeneveld
Karen England & Nancy Groeneveld have arranged these two beloved Christmas carols into an easy contemporary setting for duet or ensemble. Recorded by actual church musicians, these songs are as musically accessible as they are fresh and joyful!

SATB (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
Once Upon a Holy Night w/ Silent Night
Arranged by Bradley Knight, Regi Stone
Arranged by Regi Stone and Bradley Knight for SATB choir with soloist, this simple, touching and worshipful new classic will be a warm and inviting addition to your Christmas celebrations. It concludes with Silent Night.

SATB (EASY)
Follow the Star

Arranged by John Patrick
Arranged for soloist/worship leader with SATB choir, this celebratory song of persistence in faith and the pursuit of Jesus is an energetic, Christmas praise & worship anthem.


SATB (DIFFICULT)
Silent Night, Holy Night

Silent Night, Holy Night (w/ orchestra)
Arranged by Phillip Keveren
Lush and dramatic, this stellar arrangement for SATB choir glides between delicate emotion and powerful crescendos. Challenging dynamics will call forth the best from your choir. Works well in traditional and blended worship services. [Full Orchestration available to Unlimited PLUS Members]

2-PART (EASY)
Adoration Medley

Arranged by Ed Kee
Ready in one rehearsal, this simple medley of "What Child Is This" and "Silent Night" features two solos and 2-part choir. A perfect last-minute addition for a Sunday in December.


INSTRUMENTAL (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
Away in a Manger

Arranged by Joseph Nimoh
Arranged for piano, two violins and viola, this thoughtful rendition of the classic carol is styled in an Americana feel with jazz harmony inflections throughout. A memorable instrumental feature for the Christmas season.