The perfect alternative to a Christmas cantata, this nine-minute music drama by Joseph Martin and Lloyd Larson is ideal for incorporation into regular Advent and Christmas Eve worship. Jean Anne Shafferman’s inspired, scripture-based narrative threads through the work and sets the mood of prayerful anticipation. Congregational participation is encouraged throughout, with spoken responses to the narrative and singing in the final carol and an optional opening hymn, "Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus." A reproducible program, including narration and a hymn page, is included. Available in both SATB and SAB voicings, "The Birth of a King" also features instrumental ensemble orchestration and CD recordings.