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Sussex Carol (Handbells, 2 octaves, Level 3)

This traditional English Christmas Sussex Carol is also known as “On Christmas Night All Christians Sing”. The arrangement we see in our hymnals is almost certainly the one written by Ralph Vaughan Williams… but the unharmonized tune is far older than that.

On Christmas night all Christians sing
To hear what news those angels bring;
News of great joy, news of great mirth,
News of our Saviour King’s own birth.

Then why should men on earth be so sad
Since our Redeemer made us glad,
When from sin He set us free
All for to gain our liberty.

Now sin depart, behold His grace,
Everlasting life comes in its place,
And soon we shall its terror see
And poor and rich must conquered be

Then out of darkness we see light,
Which makes all angels to sing this night
“Glory to God and peace to men
Both now and evermore. Amen.”

Church Calendar: Advent, Christmas

Hymn tune: SUSSEX CAROL
Find metrically-matched hymn texts

Preview:

Single Copy Version: $4.00 US
Handbell Choir Version: $20.00 US

Also available for 6 accompanied handbells and 8 handbells.

Purchasing the handbell choir version of this arrangement grants permission to print and maintain up to fifteen copies for your handbell ensemble; purchasing the single copy version grants permission to print and maintain one copy. Purchase also gives permission for performance, broadcasting, live-streaming and video-sharing online. See our licensing agreement for full details, and please remember to mention the title and arranger of the piece on video-sharing sites, social media and any printed materials such as concert programs.

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