Featured Hymn for December 31: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear

One theme of this hymn is the contrast between the message “peace on earth, good will toward men” proclaimed by the host of angels at Christ's birth (Luke 2:14) and the war and oppression that dominate the earth. As this hymn is sung, think about the coming time when God will make all things new and bring His peace.

This hymn is suitable for the Christmas season. Such a well-known hymn can be used in a variety of ways. Settings of CAROL suitable for prelude, offertory, or postlude can be found in collections such as “Christmas Comes Again, Set 2” for organ or “Christmas Carols at the Piano.” A flexible medley for four-hands piano with three other well-known carols is part of “A Season of Joy.” “The Midnight Clear” is a setting of Sears's text to original music by Joel Raney suitable for a choral anthem. The accompaniment can be expanded beyond the flowing piano part with parts for optional flute, oboe, cello, and handbells. The collection “Tis the Season” contains a descant and congregational setting of this hymn. Another congregational setting of “It Came Upon the Midnight Clear” includes a trumpet descant.

View worship notes, composer biographies, historical information and more about this featured hymn at www.hymnary.org.