God So Loved

This lovely Christmas anthem was written with the late Claire Cloninger, in 2005. Her delicate lyrics borrow for their title the familiar phrase – “God so loved” – to tell why Christ came to be with us on Christmas day. But then Claire’s words go on to say that Christ not only came to live with us, but also to die for us as a sinless sacrifice. Such an important reminder for the Advent season.

As I revisited this anthem, I changed very little in the choral parts other than to make a few improvements in voice leading and range demands. A handful of changes in the piano accompaniment were made either to improve voicings, or to better reflect the optional orchestration.

I’m happy this piece is once again available. It sings well and is not at all difficult. It’s quite melodic and will remain with your congregation after the singing is over. If you work with an orchestra, the orchestration has a subdued chamber orchestra feel to it. “God So Loved” is well-suited for the early weeks of Advent.