Which pieces of music move you to tears every time you hear them? Here’s one of mine: John Tavener’s The Lamb, based on the poem by William Blake. So pure and unearthly, it seemed right to post it today.

Wishing you joy, even through the tears, this Christmas.

Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?
Gave thee life, and bid thee feed
By the stream and o’er the mead;

Gave thee clothing of delight,
Softest clothing, woolly, bright;
Gave thee such a tender voice,
Making all the vales rejoice?

Little Lamb, who made thee?
Dost thou know who made thee?

Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee
Little Lamb, I’ll tell thee;
He is called by thy name,
For he calls himself a Lamb.

He is meek, and he is mild.
He became a little child.
I, a child, and thou a lamb,
We are called by his name.

Little lamb, God bless thee!
Little lamb, God bless thee!