The original version of thiscarol SATB and piano was commissioned by Celia Ellingson through LutheranArts in honor of Gary Aamodts 80th Birthday, December 25, 2017, and is dedicated to the annual St Olaf College Christmas Festival. It uses the text of two poems by the philosopher and civil rights leader, Howard Thurman, which remind us that Christmas is a time for helping others less fortunate or troubled. Arnesen writes Advent and Christmas are times of excitement and celebration. However, it is difficult not to see the darkness of the world, and it is in darkness that we need light. The candle can light our