The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is made up of some 360 men and women, all of whom are volunteers. There are many husband-wife combinations and many families have participated in the choir for generations. Choir members are currently limited to twenty years of participation, allowing new members to join the choir on a regular basis.
The choir was founded in August 1847, one month after the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley. The choir is completely self-funded, traveling and producing albums to support their organization. Choir members are not paid for their participation or performances.
Although the choir has traditionally been recognized for its sound quality, the most recent director, Craig Jessop, a student of Robert Shaw, has made changes designed to improve the overall quality of the choir. Jessop's efforts to add vitality to the choir's sound include the formation of The Orchestra at Temple Square, the 2005 addition of The Bells on Temple Square (a hand bell choir), and continual refinement of the choir's tone, enunciation, and repetoire. The minimum age for participation has been reduced from 30 to 25. In addition, new choir members participate in The Temple Square Chorale training choir, a combination music theory/performance school led by associate director and composer/arranger Mack Wilberg.
For Unto Us A Child Is Born from "Messiah"
Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To us a son is giv'n,
The government shall rest on him,
Th' anointed one from heav'n.
His name is Wonderful Counselor,
The Mighty God is he,
The Everlasting Father,
The humble Prince of Peace.
The increase of his government
And peace shall never end,
He'll reign on David's ancient throne
As ruler of all men.
Upheld with justice and righteousness,
Forever his kingdom will last,
The zeal of the Lord God Most High
Will bring these things to pass.
Lord Jesus, come now and reign in me,
Be Lord of my life this hour.
Come be my Counselor and my God,
My source of wisdom and power.
Watch o'er me with your Father care,
My heart and my mind, fill with peace.
I worship you, my Lord and King,
My praise will never cease.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir's song "For Unto Us A Child Is Born" is a beautiful song celebrating the arrival of Jesus and having his reign in our lives. The lyrics describe how a child has been born, and how this child will become the ruler of all men. The government is going to rest on him, and he is going to be the anointed one from heaven. The song then goes on to list different names for Jesus, such as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the humble Prince of Peace. The lyrics are powerful and celebratory, and they inspire the listener to welcome Jesus into their lives.
The second half of the song describes how Jesus' government will never end and how he will reign over David's ancient throne. His rule will be characterized by justice and righteousness, and his kingdom will last forever. The zeal of the Lord God Most High will bring these things to pass. The song then concludes with a prayer asking for Jesus to come and reign in our lives, to be our Counselor and our God. The lyrics are passionate, and they speak of a deep faith and devotion to Jesus.
Line by Line Meaning
For unto us a child is born,
A child has been born to us
To us a son is giv'n,
We have been given a son
The government shall rest on him,
He will be in charge
Th' anointed one from heav'n.
Chosen by God
His name is Wonderful Counselor,
He is a wise advisor
The Mighty God is he,
He is a powerful God
The Everlasting Father,
He is an eternal father figure
The humble Prince of Peace.
Even though he is powerful, he is also humble and brings peace
The increase of his government
His influence will grow
And peace shall never end,
His reign will bring lasting peace
He'll reign on David's ancient throne
He will rule from the throne of King David
As ruler of all men.
He will be in charge of everyone
Upheld with justice and righteousness,
He will maintain fairness and virtue
Forever his kingdom will last,
His rule will never end
The zeal of the Lord God Most High
God's passion and energy
Will bring these things to pass.
Will make all this happen
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: - DP, CAROL TORNQUIST
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@nanikdasani4547
For unto us a child is born
To us a son is giv'n
The government shall rest on him
Th' anointed one from heav'n
His name is Wonderful Counselor
The Mighty God is he
The Everlasting Father
The humble Prince of Peace
The increase of his government
And peace shall never end
He'll reign on David's ancient throne
As ruler of all men
Upheld with justice and righteousness
Forever his kingdom will last
The zeal of the Lord God Most High
Will bring these things to pass
Lord Jesus, come now and reign in me
Be Lord of my life this hour
Come be my Counselor and my God
My source of wisdom and power
Watch o'er me with your Father care
My heart and my mind, fill with peace
I worship you, my Lord and King
My praise will never cease
@blairariavanderkamp3405
This IS THE BEST choir on earth!! No other choir sings like the Mormons. They deserve a standing ovation every single time!!!! And their orchestra ties in perfectly too!!!
@nildabohimo9002
Definitely 🎉
@bestill365
I heard them live a few times, and it's an experience I won't ever forget.
@barbarafarnsworth4800
Maybe the reason we get chills when we hear them is because they are not just singing a song, they are bearing their testimonies of the Savior, Jesus Christ.
@cecilb5124
I don't care what your personal faith is, you have to admit that this is absolutely beautiful.. I get chills every time I listen to it!
@mhmorris2018
God BLESS us❤️❤️❤️ this literally feels like we are experiencing a beautiful glimpse of heaven’s joy and pure love❤️❤️❤️ chills all over
@TheRozberry
Me too.
@judithmunn7482
Yes, I agree with original comment!
@patriciasturm1290
I'm Jewish and LOVE Handel's Messiah. To me, it Praises the eternal God, creator of us all
@JonsonUhuy
When I was young I joined father Smith's choir to sing this beautiful song.Now I am already old.I Always feel proud everytime I listen to this song.Praise the Lord Jesus !