Page 27 - 12 Days of Christmas (2020)

The Story Behind the Carol Bible Verse:

Isaiah 60:19-20
This carol was suggested by Sherri Cotter as it was
her grandmother’s favorite Christmas carol. George
Cooper (1840-1927), a New York native, wrote this
The sun shall no longer be your light by
poem. He studied law, although he never practiced,
day, nor for brightness shall the moon give
was a well educated man. He translated hymns and
light to you by night; but the Lord will be
songs that were written in several different
your everlasting light, and your God will
languages into English. Some of his lyrics were set
be your glory. Your sun shall no more go
by Stephen Foster. Cooper set the poem, Star of the
down, or your moon withdraw itself; for
East, to a preexisting piano piece, Star of the Sea, by
the Lord will be your everlasting light, and
Amanda Kennedy (1867-?), which she wrote when
your days of mourning shall be ended.
she was 16 years old. The piano accompaniment is
almost identical with her earlier composition, but
added the melody line. As we walk toward
Epiphany, toward the star of Bethlehem, the light
shines pointing where Hope was born. The light did
not stay at the manger. We are to follow the eternal
light as we pray to manifest God’s presence in our
daily life.

Text: George Cooper / Tune: Amanda Kennedy
Performed by Sherri Cotter, vocal