This carol was written for the annual service of Advent Lessons and Carols at St. John's College, Cambridge, England. The text has both an ancient and mysterious quality,often illuminated by quasi-modal harmonies. Composed in traditional verse and refrain from, Guest exploits primarily the middle and upper ranges of the choir and the treble and bass soloists. The organ accompaniment is not difficult, often doubling the choral parts and always colorfully supportive of the spirit of the text.