序 言
 
此圣诞颂歌能给予《基督再临》《耶稣圣诞》《救主显身》等节日，有个完美的崇拜，以 致会众可以静享熟悉的颂诗及美妙的新歌。出版这份作品是期盼能很切实地演出富有创意 且大家熟悉的颂诗及新歌。其中各部组曲也可以分别演出，更可以连朗诵一起作圣诞节目之主体，还可应用在装饰圣诞或读经赞颂的聚会中。
 
便雅悯哈兰创作了这部富有灵感且容易演唱的作品，约翰蒲立福所编乐队谱，也布满 色彩却仍保持实用。
 
惟愿此圣诞颂歌能提昇你为庆贺耶稣道成肉身的领悟。
 
                                                                                                                                                   **** 出版者
 
 
作曲者的话
 
你认为神爱我，正像我爱我的家人一样吗?过去的年日里人都告诉我说:祂的确是如此。 神爱我甚至将祂的独生子安置在一个艰苦的世界上。为此，我可以学会如何爱人超过爱自 己，甚至能爱那些不可爱的人。
 
重新在不朽的圣诞颂诗里添置了新的色彩，我希望这部音乐能帮助你放下忙碌的工作，歇 一歇，来敬拜这位为我们舍弃一切的新生王。祂没有条件、完全自愿、绝对摆上。
 
愿荣耀归于至高真神!
 
 
FOREWORD
Christmas Canticles brings favorite carols and beautiful new songs together in a complete worship service for the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany season. Our desire in publishing this work is to make available accessible, creative settings of favorite carols and new songs in a flexible presentation. Each suite can be performed separately or together with narration and used as a centerpiece for Christmas, hanging of the greens or lessons and carols services.
 
Benjamin Harlan has created a beautifully inspired and singable work. John Purifoy’s orchestrations masterfully color the work while remaining practical.
 
May Christmas Canticles serve as a means to heighten your celebration of the Incarnation.
 
                                                                                                                                 *** The Publisher
 
FROM THE COMPOSER
 
Do you suppose God loves me as much as I love my family? I’ve been told all of my life He does. God loved me enough to place His only Child in a tough, harsh world so that I can learn about loving others more than loving myself... and learn about loving unlovely people.
 
Revisit immortal carols in Christmas Canticles with new color. I hope the music will help you put away your busy work, stop, and pay homage to the Infant King Who gave all. Unconditionally. Willingly. Sacrificially.
 
Gloria in excelsis deo!