Arise, shine, O Zion, for thy light is come - Cantate Domino

Arise, shine, O Zion, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.

Sing O heavens and be joyful, for behold I bring you glad tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour who is Christ the Lord.

Glory be to God on high, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Hallelujah Amen.

Aaron Williams (1731-1776) was a church musician and music teacher who also worked as a music engraver, which gave him ready access to publication of his works. He was a member of the Scottish Church (which, being the more conservative branch of Calvinism, meant psalm-singing), and was involved in the publication of several collections of psalm-tunes. (Brown,447) (One of these tunes, "Rockingham," later became quite prominent as the tune for "When I survey the wondrous cross" in the British tradition.) Williams's musical style is naturally steeped in the old psalm-tune tradition dating back to the 16th century, and his sturdy, singable tunes are evidently inspired by this background. This anthem is unaccompanied, as was the custom in the Scottish Church at this time.