J. Paul Williams' text underscores the likelihood that all of heaven and earth continued to celebrate the birth of the newborn Messiah with joyous sounds of music: 'Songs of joy awoke the day as the babe in a manger lay. All creation joined as one singing praise to God's own Son!' Lloyd Larson's buoyant and accessible melody, combined with brief portions of familiar Christmas melodies, makes this an easily learned anthem during the busy Advent/Christmas season. Scored for unison or two part choirs, this is a viable Christmas consideration for choirs of all sizes.