Christ Has Come — Ananda Virtual Choir

Composed after Swami Kriyananda visited the Holy Land in 1983, Christ Lives brilliantly captures the profoundly inspiring and uplifting experience of Christ’s presence there. An illustrated oratorio, Christ Lives is a contemporary Oratorio that vividly brings to life the deep meaning of Christ's life. The photography and music by Swami Kriyananda, is sung by the Ananda World Brotherhood Choir.

In 2008, Swami Kriyananda and the World Brotherhood performed in San Jose, California. This is Swami’s introduction: “I wrote this Oratorio after a visit to Israel, which we in the West call the Holy Land. I meditated. It’s very different Oratorio from any other you might find. I meditated in the various scared places. I felt the presence of Christ there, and I prayed to Him and He gave me these melodies. You can take that as you will, but to me it’s a reality. The melodies express the vibration of His presence which I felt there. It was a very holy visit for me. I hope you will feel His presence.” As music alone can do, the Oratorio reaches the soul with both the message and spirit of Christ's life, and his call to all seekers to awaken the Divine within.

Lyrics:

Jesus Christ is born this day!

Hallelujah!

Born to drive our night away!

Hallelujah!

Joy on the mountains!

Joy in the valleys!

Joy to the nations:

Christ has come!

Introduction (written by the composer for use in performances, inspired at the Church of the Nativity, in Bethlehem):

“And all went to be taxed every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:2-7)

“The Church of the Nativity is the oldest still-active church in Christendom. Its traditions date back to earliest Christian times, making it quite possibly the true site of Jesus’ birth, as early Christians claimed. I myself felt great blessings here — a consciousness very sweet, pure, and childlike.”

Find more music by Swami Kriyananda at https://www.ananda.org/music/