La música cristiana es de origen judío: la liturgia musical de la sinagoga, en particular el canto psalmódico de los judíos como unidad poética musical, fue un legado preciado transmitido del Israel antiguo al cristianismo primitivo, como forma de manifestar tanto a nivel personal como comunitario las creencias religiosas y la fe en Dios.
What child is this who laid to rest
On mary’s lap is sleeping
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing!
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe the son of mary
So bring him incense gold and myrrh
Come peasant king to own him
The king of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone him
Raise, raise a a song on high!
The virgin sings her lullaby
Joy, joy for christ is born
The babe, the son of mary!
This, this is christ the king
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing!
Haste, haste to bring him laud
The babe the son of mary
Nails, spears shall pierce him through
The cross he bore for me, for you
Hail, hail the word made flesh the babe
The son of mary