Product Description
"O Come, Little Children" is a traditional Christmas carol that invites children to visit the newborn Jesus in the manger, celebrating the Nativity. The lyrics convey a sense of awe, simplicity, and purity, reflecting the innocence of children as they approach the Christ child with joy and reverence.
### History
The original German version of the song, titled **Ihr Kinderlein, kommet**, was written in 1798 by **Christoph von Schmid**, a German Catholic priest and author known for his religious children's literature. Schmid was passionate about education and often used storytelling and music to teach moral values to children. He wrote this carol to encourage children to participate in the celebration of Christmas by envisioning themselves visiting the baby Jesus.
### Lyrics and Themes
The lyrics focus on the nativity scene, urging children to come and see Jesus lying in the manger, surrounded by animals and angels. It paints a vivid and humble picture of the birth of Christ, emphasizing themes of peace, love, and innocence.
The song also promotes the idea of faith being something simple and accessible, especially to children, who are often portrayed in Christian theology as having a pure and natural connection to the divine.
### Music
The melody commonly associated with O Come, Little Children was composed by **Johann Abraham Peter Schulz** in 1790, though it was initially for a different poem. The tune, however, perfectly matched the tone and simplicity of Schmid's lyrics, and over time the two became paired.
### English Translation
The song was later translated into English by several different translators, and while there are various versions, the most popular retains the carol's original spirit of joy and reverence. The English lyrics often differ slightly depending on the translator but remain faithful to the theme of childlike wonder and devotion.
### Modern Usage
O Come, Little Children continues to be a beloved Christmas carol, especially in church settings and children's choirs. Its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a timeless piece that resonates with the joyful and spiritual essence of Christmas.
This product was created by a member of ArrangeMe, Hal Leonard's global self-publishing community of independent composers, arrangers, and songwriters. ArrangeMe allows for the publication of unique arrangements of both popular titles and original compositions from a wide variety of voices and backgrounds.