The Oxen Music: Richard Bullen Lyrics based on a poem by Thomas Hardy US premiere Congregational Church of Batavia, IL

Performed by The Des Moines Choral Society on December 10th, 2016 at The St. Ambrose CaThedral. Artistic director James Rodde. Hushed are The pigeons cooing low On dusty rafters of The loft; And mild-eyed Oxen, breathing soft, Sleep on The fragrant ...  morePerformed by The Des Moines Choral Society on December 10th, 2016 at The St. Ambrose CaThedral. Artistic director James Rodde. Hushed are The pigeons cooing low On dusty rafters of The loft; And mild-eyed Oxen, breathing soft, Sleep on The fragrant hay below. Dim shadows in The corner hide; The glimmering lantern's rays are shed Where one young lamb just lifts his head, Then huddles 'gainst his moTher's side. Strange silence tingles in The air; Through The half-open door a bar Of light from one low-hanging star Touches a baby's radiant hair. No sound: The moTher, kneeling, lays Her cheek against The little face. Oh human love! Oh heavenly grace! 'Tis yet in silence that she prays! Ages of silence end to-night; Then to The long-expectant earth Glad angels come to greet His birth In burst of music, love, and light! Margaret Deland  less