Shirley Erena Murray

Star-Child

Shirley Erena Murray, New Zealand's premier hymnwriter, first introduced the words to 'Star-Child' on her Christmas card in 1994. Within 24 hours, Carlton R. Young responded and composed a simple lilting tune to the socially conscious text. Ms. Murray explained the genesis of her poem like this: 'The carol grew out of increasing concern at the market values dictating our welfare system, now creating more and more 'social reject. '' This relevant Christmas anthem can be embellished with various optional instruments or simply sung with piano accompaniment. Either way, the result is glorious.