The Wexford Carol (3-5 octaves handbells)

“The Wexford Carol” – WEXFORD CAROL, arranged by Dillon Ekle for 3-5 octaves handbells and optional 3-4 octaves handchimes (Level III+)

Weaving through moments of both brightness and darkness, the Wexford tune itself captures many of the contradictory feelings of the birth of Christ, both hopeful and sober. It celebrates the good without ignoring the hardships. Beginning in the quiet of night, mere glints of light are all that break the darkness at first, gathering into beams and pools until glorious splendor covers the darkness. At this highest point, the clash is greatest, but when the birth is complete, the healing balm of night returns, and we are left to ponder this great marvel: “In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him.” (John 1:4-5, 9-10, ESV)