It was written by English born and raised, Anglican and New Zealand immigrant, Barbara Gillard (deceased, details TBA) in 1975.
An arrangement by David Dell was published in 1996 by the New Zealand Hymnbook Trust in Carol our Christmas : a book of New Zealand carols, An SATB arrangement was published by New Zealand singer and composer, Maurice Faulknor (1930-2019) - and this is available to borrow or hire from SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music.
It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Gillard. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are DG G G F GAB D ABc BA. No published lead sheet has been located, but the hymn is sung in unison in some churches in New Zealand.
No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.
It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Gillard. This has a 3/4 time signature. In the key of G, the first few notes of the melody are DG G G F GAB D ABc BA. No published lead sheet has been located, but the hymn is sung in unison in some churches in New Zealand.
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Downloads
This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).No downloadable versions have been found, of either performances or the sheet music. If you know where to find one, please leave a message in the Comments box near the bottom of the page.
Examples
Small group with guitar, live in a church service
Children's choir with piano
Lyrics
The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:1. The stars danced, the angels sang
The night God came to earth.
The whole vault of heaven rang
To celebrate his birth
Chorus:
We will dance, we will sing,
We will praise our heav’nly King
At his birth!
2. Mary, his mother smiled
To see her babe new born.
Shepherds came hurrying,
Left their flocks forlorn.
3. Wise men who saw his star,
Knew their Lord was here,
Came with their offerings,
Incense, gold and myrrh.
4. We too will give to him
Gifts of love and praise.
Dance for him, sing for him,
Rejoice in him always.
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