My song “Pace” (which is Italian for “peace”) tries to describe the Perfect Peace that was part of the first Christmas night. This particular recording is of the Lincoln Chamber Singers, and I appreciate how warmly they embraced this piece and sang it so beautifully. The Chamber Singers have sung it on several different occasions over the past dozen years or so. The Tremper High School Chorale (under the direction of Polly Amborn) have also performed it. I also have a slightly simplified version which my church choir (the Senior Choir at Holy Communion Lutheran Church) has sung on two occasions. I composed this in the summer of 2001- and the Lincoln Chamber Singers sang the premiere of the piece that following December, less than three months after the shattering tragedy of 9-11.
Pace, Pace.
Listen to the songs of angels in the sky,
telling that a wondrous thing is drawing night.
Pace, Pace.
Peace and Joy are born tonight.
On this Holy Night a bright and brilliant star
shines a ray of hope where death and darkness are.
Pace, Pace.
Peace and Joy are born tonight.
Pace, Pace.
In a world where sin and fear and death divide
comes the Peace-Bestowing One this Christmastide.
Pace, Pace. Peace and Joy are born tonight.
On this Holy Night the lion and the lamb
lie together peacefully in Bethlehem.
Pace, Pace. Peace and Joy are born tonight.
In the midst of things we cannot understand,
may we know the comfort of the Master’s hand.
Pace, Pace. May we know the peace of God.
Pace, Pace.
Come behold the Baby in the manger stall.
He has come to bring a holy peace to all.
Pace, Pace. Peace to all the world tonight.
On this night all warriors lay their weapons down.
Every earthly king and queen remove their crowns.
Pace, Pace. Peace to all the world tonight.
Even the wind is still, silenced by His holy will.
All the earth in slumber sleeps, enveloped in a heavenly peace.
Pace, Pace, Pace.
“Pace” is simply beautiful!
Thank you! It means a lot to hear this from you.
Your music is forever a part of our lives. Our wedding. Our Christmas celebrations. God has given you a very special talent. 😊
You’re very sweet, Jackie. Thanks for the kind words.
Dr. Berg,
I heard Pace at last night’s Christmas Festival which was the most worshipful Christmas service I have ever attended. The entire service was a celebration of who Jesus is, and hearing this song made me realize afresh the richness of what we celebrate at Christmas.
I’ve been a believer for over 40 years, and my relationship with the Lord is my greatest treasure. You have given everyone something from Him. The music and words of Pace brought me to a new, deeper realization of His great love for all people, the immense gift He held out then, and continues to hold out to all who will come to Him: peace with God.
How to say it? How to express it?
For me, Pace does all that.
Words really aren’t adequate to express my thanks – but thank you.
I am touched by your words. My fervent hope is that people will come away from the Christmas Festival reminded that the story goes beyond Bethlehem.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I appreciate hearing from you.