The tradition of the Christmas tree in Western Europe dates back to a time long before any Christianization had taken place. During the severely cold winter nights so it was believed evil spirits tried to 'kill' nature. Needle-leaved trees were the only ones which kept their green colour throughout the year and therefore became symbols of immortality. These 'living' trees said to be the work of benign spirits were brought into people's houses to ward off evil life-threatening powers. In the 14th century people first started to decorate Christmas trees. It was a pagan custom originated by the inhabitants of Alsace. This custom was taken over by the Church inthe course of the 15th and 16th century. At first the decoration consisted mainly of edibles such as apples and wafers but later small presents were added. Legend has it that the reformer Martin Luther was the first person to decorate a Christmas tree with candles. The flickering candle flames were meant to create the image of a starry sky in which Christ's apparition could be recognized. The German organ-player Ernst Anschütz from Leipzig was the first person to notate the song 'O Tannenbaum' the melody being a well-known folk song. Next to 'Stille Nacht' 'O Tannenbaum' is the most famous German Christmas song now known throughout the world. In the United States of America the melody of 'O Tannenbaum' has even been used in four States (among which the State of Maryland) for their State song. In David Well's arrangement the song is first heard as many of us know it. After this introduction however it is transformed into a solid rock version and the beat has been changed. In the second part the familiar three-four time is back but here the rhythm is different from the original. After the richly ornamented rock beat the basic theme can be heard once again and the composition is concluded in a festive manner.

Let the joy of worship transport you as you sing this joyful acclamation of confidence and hope in Christ the solid rock. Composed in a neo-fifties rock setting this piece has a light and joyful feel with a strong and confidentmessage of hope and salvation. A perennial bestseller this re-release features a few gentle rewrites to help enable successful performances. If you missed it the first time make sure you catch this winner now.

This arrangement comes from the Alive Forever collection arranged by Travis Cottrell. He has arranged the new modern hymn by Keith Getty and Stuart Toenend with a more traditional statement of The Solid Rock to makea great declaration that in Christ alone we have the assurance and strength that we need for each day. Choirs and congregations both will enjoy this music. CD Accompaniment Trax available. Orchestration is flexible and includesscore and parts for Rhythm Acoustic Guitar Trumpet 1 & 2 Alto Sax Trumpet 3 Trombone 1 & 2 Tenor Sax 1 & 2 Trombone 3/Tuba Bari Sax Percussion Horn 1 & 2 Flute (Oboe) 1 2 & 3 Clarinet and Strings (Synth). Duration:ca. 5:25

with The Solid Rock-This arrangement comes from the Alive Forever collection arranged by Travis Cottrell. He has arranged the new modern hymn by Keith Getty and Stuart Toenend with a more traditional statement of The Solid Rock to makea great declaration that in Christ alone we have the assurance and strength that we need for each day. Choirs and congregations both will enjoy this music. CD Accompaniment Trax available. Orchestration is flexible and includesscore and parts for Rhythm Acoustic Guitar Trumpet 1 & 2 Alto Sax Trumpet 3 Trombone 1 & 2 Tenor Sax 1 & 2 Trombone 3/Tuba Bari Sax Percussion Horn 1 & 2 Flute (Oboe) 1 2 & 3 Clarinet and Strings (Synth). Duration:ca. 5:25