NGWANU K'ANYI JEENU NA BETHLEHEM

"Ngwanụ K'anyị Jeenụ Na Bethlehem" is a joyful Igbo Christmas carol that invites the congregation to journey to the manger. The title translates to a warm call to action: "Come, let us go to Bethlehem." It captures the excitement of the shepherds and the Magi as they hurry to see the newborn King, Emmanuel.

This piece is an excellent choice for the Entrance or Offertory procession during the Christmas season. The verses beautifully recount the nativity story, moving from the bright star guiding the wise men, to the angels startling the shepherds in the night with their message of great joy, and finally to the heavenly host singing "Glory to God in the highest."

Emma Orji's arrangement uses a lively, rhythmic refrain that naturally gets a choir moving. Singing this piece brings a sense of communal celebration to the Mass, reminding everyone in the pews that the invitation to witness the birth of Christ is extended to us all.