The Music & the Spoken Word broadcast airs live via TV, radio, and internet stream on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. mountain time. For information on other airtimes, visit “Airing Schedules” at musicandthespokenword.org.

Music

Conductors: Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy
Organists:  Andrew Unsworth, Brian Mathias
Announcer: Lloyd Newell
Featuring Lea Salonga and Sir David Suchet
With Bells at Temple Square and Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble

“When the Shepherds Saw the Light”
Music: French Carol
Lyrics: David Warner
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
With Bells at Temple Square, Gabriel Trumpet Ensemble

“Payapang Daigdig”
Music: Felipe de Leon
Lyrics: Brigido Batungbakal
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
Featuring: Lea Salonga

“Hosanna in excelsis (based on Canon in D)”
Music: Johann Pachelbel
Lyrics: from Matthew 21:9
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

“O Holy Night”
Music: Adolphe Adam
Lyrics: translated by John Sullivan Dwight
Arrangement: Ryan Murphy
Featuring: Lea Salonga

"Come, All Ye Shepherds" (organ solo)
Music: Traditional Bohemian carol
Arrangement: Andrew Unsworth

“Rocking Carol”
Music: Traditional Czech carol
Lyrics: Traditional
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg

“Angels from Realms of Glory”
Music: French carol
Lyrics: James Montgomery
Arrangement: Mack Wilberg
With: Bells at Temple Square and Gabriel Trumpets
Featuring: Lea Salonga 

The Spoken Word

The Christmas Story: Luke 2

Read by Sir David Suchet

Many years ago, I was filming in Seattle.

One evening after shooting, I turned to the writings of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.

While reading from Chapter 8 in his letter to the Romans, I found the most beautiful expression of the life I had hoped to live— I read about a life of caring, generosity, and being there for other people.

Since then, I've had the privilege to be allowed to read biblical scripture in many live presentations and I've actually been permitted to record the Bible in its entirety.

Whether or not we imagine ourselves rocking Little Jesus in the manger as described in the carol, I hope that this reading, this Christmas, will inspire us to regard one another as lovingly and tenderly as a newborn child—for we are all God’s children.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; …

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.