Page 17 - 12 Days of Christmas (2020)

The Story Behind the Carol Bible Verse:

Ephesians 2:14-18

This beautiful carol was composed in 1917. Both the text
and the melody were written by Pietro Yo, who was born in
Italy, and served as an organist for the Vatican briefly
For he is our peace; in his flesh he has
before acquiring prestigious church organist positions in
made both groups into one and has
New York. The text was translated by Frederick H.
broken down the dividing wall, that is,
Martens who translated numerous children’s books. The
the hostility between us. He has
text and tune of the refrains are from, “O Come All Ye
abolished the law with its
Faithful.” Yon used the melodic theme of the well known
commandments and ordinances, that
hymn in the accompaniment throughout the piece. The
he might create in himself one new
peaceful, calm nature of this carol reminds us of the words
humanity in place of the two, thus
from Ephesians. The poetic verses are due to the English
making peace, and might reconcile
translation. The literal translation is:
both groups to God in one body
1. In the humble hut, in cold and poverty,
through the cross, thus putting to
The Holy infant is born, who the world will adore.
death that hostility through it. So he
2. Hosanna, hosanna, sing with a joyous heart,
came and proclaimed peace to you who
Your shepherds and angels, O King of light and love.
were far off and peace to those who
were near; for through him both of us
have access in one Spirit to the Father.

Performed by Anna Kruse, viola