Page 19 - 12 Days of Christmas (2020)

The Story Behind the Carol Bible Verse:

Isaiah 9:6-7

This carol is also known as, Glory to the Newborn
King. Most of the text describes the birth of Jesus
(Luke 2), however; the “Wonderful Child” comes
“For a child has been born for us, a son
from the Isaiah text above. Although this carol was
given to us; authority rests upon his
listed as, “African-American Traditional”, for the
shoulders;and he is named Wonderful
typical rhythmic scheme and repetitive use of the
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
text, it is now acknowledged to be composed by
Father, Prince of Peace.His authority shall
Margarett Wills Allison, who was the founder and
grow continually, and there shall be
leader of the popular black gospel group, the Angelic
endless peace for the throne of David and
Gospel Singers. There are not many African-
his kingdom. He will establish and uphold
American carols that have been found because most
it with justice and with righteousness from
of the spirituals relate to bearing hardship during
this time onward and forevermore. The zeal
slavery or for sharing coded messages. Like the
of the Lord of hosts will do this.
most popular African-American carol, Go Tell It on
the Mountain, which became widely known after
being sung by Peter, Paul, & Mary, this carol found
its fame through Mariah Carey’s performance in
1994.

African-American Traditional / arr. Mark Hayes
Performed by Erin Pfister, vocal