'Verbum caro factum est' is a frolicsome carol with new words by Paul Williamson. It was commissioned by Simon Bell and the Dean Close Schola Cantorum, and premiered in Tewkesbury Abbey in December 2013. In response to the request for something 'rhythmic and upbeat', the music consists of a joyful tune underpinned by undertones of rebellion in the harmonic movement. This combination neatly captures the special character of Paul's new text, evoking the fun and cheerful exuberance of the festive season, while never losing sight of the fundamental meaning of Christmas. The text itself romps vivaciously through some colourful Scriptural moments: from Noah's ark in the Old Testament to the preaching of John the Baptist in the Gospels. Each verse concludes with a repetition of the key phrase, 'Verbum caro factum est' ('And the word was made flesh'), an idea that is explored in variety of different guises in the text's Biblical imagery. The carol is scored for SATB, with descant towards the end, and the accompaniment is for either piano or organ.