A Light Has Shone

Based on Psalms 96 and 98, this song is especially suitable for the season of Christmas (esp. Epiphany). The bright and spirited diatonic refrain melody, which through well-placed leaps in the melody gradually ascends an octave, accurately captures the joyful message of the text. The verses introduce expressive chromaticism as an effective contrast. The assembly-friendly melody is enhanced by SAB choral parts and descant. Parts for handbells and soprano saxophone are available online.