I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

Song background:

One of the more exciting pieces I wrote for our choir.  I had heard the voice of one of our Young Men in a stake program and was blown away.  I wanted him to sing with our choir, but he wasn’t all that interested.  I wrote this arrangement with him in mind.  He did amazing.  

What is the back story on the arrangement? I’ve always liked the message of this song, but feel the original arrangement is too long. As I was drying my hair one morning, the melody came to me and it fit!

Of course, piano accompaniment is just as nice as organ.