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.
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Mormon Tabernacle Choir Lyrics
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O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him
Christ the Lord.
Come and behold him,
Born the King of angels
O come let us adore him,
O come let us adore him
Christ the Lord
Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation,
O sing all ye citizens of heaven above
Glory to God, Glory in the highest
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him
Christ the Lord.
Yes, Lord, we greet thee, born this happy morning
Jesus, to thee be the glory given
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him,
O come, let us adore him
Christ the Lord.
The first stanza of "O Little Town of Bethlehem" paints a serene picture of the town as it slumbers beneath a starry night sky, deep in peaceful silence. However, despite the outward stillness of the village, Bethlehem holds great significance to believers of the Christian faith. It is that very same night that Jesus Christ, the son of Mary, was born. And in the darkness of Bethlehem's streets shines an everlasting light - the light of Christ, representing the embodiment of hope and love for all.
The second stanza describes how even while the earthly population sleeps, the angels look down with wonder upon the new arrival of God's son. While rejoicing with heavenly choruses, they proclaim the birth of the holy child, inspiring the praise of mortals on Earth. Together, they sing the name of their king, conveying their desire for peace and love to spread out through the world. As the song returns to its first verse, it raises up the hopes and fears of ages long past meeting in Bethlehem that very night. This tiny town becomes a symbol of enormous importance — a true beacon of hope for all.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
The singer observes Bethlehem in a state of calmness.
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
The stars shine quietly above Bethlehem as the singer continues to observe it while everyone is asleep.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
Despite the darkness of Bethlehem's streets, there is brightness that does not fade away, a metaphor for the presence of God.
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
Bethlehem is the place where people's hopes and fears are united as they wait for the promised Messiah.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above
The artist refers to the birth of Jesus who was born to Mary and for whom the heavenly hosts have gathered to witness.
While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
As people sleep, the angels watch over Bethlehem in awe and wonder.
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
The morning stars announce and celebrate the holy birth of Jesus.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
This line serves as an expression of the joy and assurance of peace that Jesus' birth brings to the world.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Traditional
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lesliepolk2039
Although I am not a Christian , I am awestruck by the sheer beauty of this music. I can't think of a better way to start my day than to listen to this music.
@DamnDemi
That's interesting, & you're right. It's absolutely beautiful.
@miguelchavez8347
God bless you and keep you safe. Amen.
@patsym3679
The lord loves you dearly and calling you to embrace him ...
@georgefelty6357
This is music sent from heaven and these angelic voices are just a preview of what we can expect in heaven!
@olusesanfesobi5219
This is surely a foretaste of the Heavenly Bliss promised us by our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.
@sambosco5119
This is the music l heard and turned my way to Jesus Christ and became a member.
@yjnyjn3853
Absolutely brilliant. Thank you for loving the one and only Almighty God JEHOVAH.
@phantomsshadow7324
I hear angels! What a beautiful rendition!
@ArmoredLion217
I love this setting! It’s great to see another take on this great tune. I love all three versions that I’ve heard the choir sing! Each one quite special!