====[ HYMNS, SONGS & CHORUSES ]====
The following suggestions are compiled from resources prepared by John Maynard, Jeff Shrowder <http://thebillabong.info>, David MacGregor <http://www.dovenetq.net.au/~macgd>, Dean McIntyre, Denis Towner and many others.
These hymns and songs may be found in a variety of other hymnbooks and chorus books. Please send me your hymnbook, or your favourite list of suggested hymns/songs/choruses for this Sunday (or Sundays ahead) that I might include them in future posts. John Maynard.
(A.) The first group is primarily (but not exclusively) from Australian/NZ hymn books, and other resources for congregational singing. These hymns have been arranged according to their possible use in worship, Eg.
Hymn of Praise = God in Providence and Creation
Hymn of Thanksgiving = Christ our Lord & Redeemer
Hymn of Faith = The Holy Spirit & The Church’s Life and Witness
Hymn of Commitment = Christian Discipleship
(B.) The second grouping is primarily from other hymn, chorus and songbooks.
(C.) The third grouping is based upon the RCL passages for the day.
(D.) The fourth grouping are hymns appropriate for ADVENT and CHRISTMAS.
CURRENT LISTINGS:
AA = Alleluia Aotearoa (New Zealand)
AHB = The Australian Hymnbook / With One Voice (Aus/NZ)
AOV As One Voice Willow Connection
AT = All Together Now (ATN), All Together Again (ATA),
All Together Everybody (ATE), All Together Okay (ATO),
All Together Whatever (ATW) (Openbook Pub.)
BOP = Book of Praise (Presbyterian Church of Canada)
CG Common Ground (St Andrew Press)
CH = Chalice Hymnal (Disciples of Christ)
Covenant = Covenant Songs
DMAC = David McGregor
FWS = The Faith We Sing
GGIVES = God Gives, Books 1,2,3,4 (Songs for Kids, Uniting Education)
GBEAT = Gospelling to the Beat 1&2 (Scripture Union_
HS = Hillsong (Hills Christian Life Centre)
HSNW = Heaven shall not wait (Iona Community/Wild Goose Resource Group_
IECS = In every corner sing
MP = Mission Praise
NCH = New Century Hymnal (UCC-USA)
NCYC = NCYC Songs (National Christian Youth Convention, Uniting Church)
Ph = The Presbyterian Hymnal (USA)
P&W = Praise & Worship (Resource Christian Music)
RJ = Rejoice! (Presbyterian Church in Australia)
SA = Sing Alleluia
SCE = The Source (Kevin Mayhew)
SINGSBK1 = Singalong Songbook vol.1&2 (Integrity’s Hosanna Music)
SOF = Songs & Hymns of Fellowship (Kingsway)
SIS/Song = Scripture in Song (Songs of Praise, Songs of the Kingdom etc.)
TFWS = The Faith We Sing (United Methodist USA)
TIO = There is one among us (John Bell/Wild Goose Resource Group)
TIS = Together in Song (Australia/New Zealand)
UMH = United Methodist Hymnal (USA)
VU = Voices United (United Church of Canada)
(* = Recommended) (** = Highly Recommended)
(A.) HYMN SEARCH FOR ADVENT ONE- YEAR A
/for further ADVENT suggestions, SEE BELOW/
The Australian Hymnbook / With One Voice / Together in Song
==[ God in Providence and Creation ]==
Behold the amazing gift of love (TIS 115 + AHB 36)
* Clap your hands all you nations (TIS 29, John L. Bell)
Come, O God of all the earth (TIS 181, Marty Haugen)
God has spoken by his prophets (TIS 158 + AHB 92)
God is love, let heaven adore Him (TIS 153 + AHB 93)
God of freedom, God of justice (TIS 657 + SA 42, Shirley E. Murray)
Praise the Lord, ye heavens adore him (TIS 93 + AHB 58)
==[ Christ our Lord & Redeemer ]==
* And did ye see him little star? (SA 6, Helen D. Clyde)
** Behold! a rose is growing (TIS 294)(Ph 48)(UMH 216)(VU 
/FEATURED HYMN/
Brightest and best of the sons of the morning (TIS 310 + AHB 234)
* Christ is the world’s true light (TIS 238 + AHB 179)
* "Christmas is coming" the church is glad to sing (TIS 289, John L. Bell)
/Advent Candles/
* Come, O Jesus, come, O Lord (AHB 211, James P. McAuley)
** Come, Thou long expected Jesus (TIS 272 + AHB 200) (UMH 196)
Earth has many a noble city (TIS 291 + AHB 216)
* Hark the glad sound! The Saviour comes (TIS 269 + AHB 197)
** Hail to the Lord’s anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203)
He who by a mother’s love (TIS 277 + AHB 204)
Jesus, good above all other (AHB 177)
* Jesus shall reign where’re the sun (TIS 207 + AHB 136)
Jesus the very thought of Thee (AHB 126)
Let earth and heaven combine (TIS 305 + AHB 229)
* Light one candle for hope (TIS 286, Natalie Sleeth) /Advent Candles/
** Lo! He comes with clouds descending (TIS 273 + AHB 201) (Ph 6) (VU 285
** Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (TIS 294)(Ph 48)(UMH 216)(VU /FEATURED HYMN/
** Long ago, prophets knew (TIS 283 + SA 61, Fred Pratt Green)
** Love Divine, all love’s excelling (TIS 217 + AHB 148) [Communion’
* Mine eyes have seen the glory (TIS 315 + AHB 205)
My heart and voice I raise (TIS 225 + AHB 160)
** O come, O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193)
** On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry (TIS 270 + AHB 199) (Ph 10) (VU 20)
The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222)
** The advent of our God (TIS 271 + AHB 198)
* * The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices (TIS 279 + AHB 212)
The Lord will come and not slow (TIS 265 + AHB 194)
The north wind is tossing the leaves (TIS 322 + AHB 246)
* The people that in darkness walked (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
* The voice of God goes out to all the world (TIS 282 + SA 86, Peter Icarus)
Thou didst leave Thy throne with a kingly crown (AHB 206)
When God almighty came to be one of us (TIS 281 + AHB 214)
Ye gates lift up your heads on high (TIS 12 + AHB 286) [Holy Communion]
Your coming, Lord, to earth in Bethlehem (TIS 285 + SA 98, Wesley Milgate)
==[ The Spirit and the Church: Its Life & Witness ]==
Behold! the mountain of the Lord (TIS 441 + AHB 366)
God of mercy, God of grace (TIS 452 + AHB 379)
* In Christ there is no east or west (TIS 459 + AHB 391)
I was overjoyed, Alleluia! (TIS 78 + AHB 394, Albert McPherson & Michael Wentzell)
* Let all mortal flesh keep silence (TIS 497 + AHB 418) [Holy Communion]
Lord Jesus Christ, You have come to us (TIS 526 + AHB 451) [Communion]
Lord, Your word abiding (TIS 427 + AHB 333)
Thanks to God whose Word was spoken (TIS 431 + AHB 339)
==[ Christian Discipleship ]==
* All my hope on God is founded (TIS 560 + AHB 465)
By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered (TIS 615 + SA 15, Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
* Creator of the earth and skies (AHB 556, Donald Wynn Hughes)
Father eternal, ruler of creation (AHB 540)
Holy most holy Lamb of God (AHB 448) [Holy Communion]
* Go now in peace (TIS 782, Natalie Sleeth) [Benediction]
God has spoken to his people, hallelujah! (636 + SA 38, Willard F. Jabusch)
I come with joy to meet my Lord (TIS 533 + AHB 452) [Holy Communion]
I want to walk as a child of the light (TIS 643, Timothy Dudley-Smith)
Make me a channel of Your peace (TIS 607 + SA 66, Sebastian Temple)
** O day of God, draw nigh (TIS 616 + AHB 547)
O God of earth and altar (AHB 542)
* God has spoken to His people, hallelujah! (TIS 636 + SA 39, Willard F. Jabusch)
O brother man, fold to thy heart thy brother (TIS 587 + AHB 503)
O day of God, draw nigh (TIS 616 + AHB 547)
……………………………
(B.) OTHER HYMNS, SONGS & CHORUSES:
All poor men and humble
Behold the Saviour of the nations
Born in the night, Mary’s Child
Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light
Come now, O Prince of Peace
Creator of the stars of night (Ph 4)
* Comfort, comfort you my people (Ph 3)
Comfort, comfort ye my people
Creating God, your fingers trace
Descend, O Spirit, purging flame
Give me a heart after You, Lord (Song 508, Bruce Bremner)
God is working his purpose out
God, who hast caused to be written
God who spoke in the beginning
Hail to God’s own (VU 30)
Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding
Herald! Sound the note of gladness (VU 28)
Herald, sound the note of judgment
Hope of the world (Ph 360)
How beauteous are their feet
How brightly beams (VU 98)
How lovely on the mountain are the feet of him
I know a Rose tree springing
Isaiah the Prophet has written of old (Ph 337)
Jesus come with clouds descending (Ph 6)
Judge eternal, throned in splendour
Let streams of living justice
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates (Ph
Lion and lamb lying together
Lo, from the desert homes
* Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (VU
Lo, in the wilderness a voice
Lord, be thy word my rule
Lord Christ, when first You came to earth (Ph 7)
Lord, I have made thy word my choice
O come, divine Messiah
* O day of peace (VU 682) (Ph 450)
O Lord, how shall I meet You? (Ph 11)
O morning star, how fair and bright (Ph 69)
O word of God incarnate
People, look east (Ph 12)
** Prepare the way, O Zion (Ph 13) (VU 882) [see also: TIS 364]
Prepare the way of the Lord (VU 190)
Rejoice! Rejoice, believers (Ph 15)
Rise and hear! The Lord is speaking
Saviour of the nations, come (Ph 14)
Sing we the praises of the great forerunner
"Sleepers, Wake!" a voice astounds us (Ph 17)
"The Day of the Lord" (in ‘Heaven Shall Not Wait’,
Iona Community-GIA Publications G3646)
The kingdom of God is justice and joy
The Lord will come and not be slow
The prophets spoke in days of old
* There’s a voice in the wilderness crying (VU 18)
Watchman, tell us of the night (Ph 20)
What is the crying at Jordan?
When the King shall come again
Where Jordan cuts the wilderness
Who would think
Wild and lone the prophet’s voice (Ph 409)
……………………………
(C.) SCRIPTURE ALLUSIONS:
==[ Isaiah 11:1-10 ]==
All earth is waiting (UMH 210, “Toda la Tierra”)
All hail the power of Jesus’ name (TIS 224 + AHB 159)
All my hope on God is founded (TIS 560 + AHB 465)
*** Behold a rose is growing (TIS 294, “Lo how a rose e’er blooming…”)
(BOP 151) (CH 160) (NCH 127) (Ph 48) (UMH 216) (VU 8) /FEATURED HYMN/
* Blessed be the God of Israel (TIS 284) (UMH 209)
By gracious powers so wonderfully sheltered (TIS 617 + SA 15, Dietrich Bonhoeffer)
Come from the four winds, O Spirit (TIS 752, from the Taizé Community)
* Come Holy Ghost our souls inspire (TIS 396 + AHB 308) (UMH 651)
Come, O Jesus, come, O Lord (AHB 211)
Come, Spirit blest, Creator, come (TIS 397)
** Come, Thou long expected Jesus (TIS 272 + AHB 200) (UMH 196)
Eternal God, whose power upholds (Ph 412)
Freedom is coming (ATO 355, African trad.)
From Thee all skill and science flow (AHB 518)
God who began a good work in You (TFWS 2163)
** Hail to the Lord’s anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203)(CH 140) (NCH 104) (Ph 205)
(Rejoice 248) (UMH 203)
* He came down (TFWS 2085)
He’s got the whole world in His hands (BOP 339, Spiritual)
Holy spirit, living water, flow in us and set us free (AT 359, Elizabeth Smith)
* Hope is a start that shines in the night (BOP 119, Brian A. Wren)
* I come with joy to meet my Lord (TIS 533 + AHB 452) (UMH 617) [Holy Communion]
*** Isaiah the Prophet has written of old (TIS 663, Joy Forster Patterson) (BOP 782) (NCH 108) (VU 680) (Ph 337)
* Like a child (TFWS 2092)
*** Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (TIS 294, “Behold a rose is growing…”) (BOP 151) (CH 160) (NCH 127) (Ph 48) (UMH 216) (VU 8) /FEATURED HYMN/
** Long ago, prophets knew (TIS 283 + SA 61, Fred Pratt Green) (BOP 121)
* Lord enthroned in heavenly splendour (TIS 520 + AHB 441) (BOP 541)
Lord Jesus, our bright Morning Star (TIS 199)
Morning has broken (TIS 156 + AHB 91)
My heart and voice I raise (TIS 225 + AHB 160)
Now is the time approaching, by prophets long ago (NCH 609)
** O bless the God of Israel (TIS 284) (UMH 209)
** O day of God, draw near (TIS 616 + AHB 547) (UMH 730)
*** O come! O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193) (BOP 122) (NCH 116) (UMH 211)
** O day of peace that dimly shines (CH 711, Carl P. Daw, Jr.) (BOP 732) (Ph 450) (UMH 729)
* O Holy Spirit, by whose breath (AHB 329) (BOP 402)
O Lord of heaven and earth and sea (BOP 432)
* O morning star, how fair and bright (Ph 69) (UMH 247)
* O Spirit of the living God (TIS 405 + AHB 318)
* Oh for a world where everyone (BOP 730, Miriam Therese Winter)
** Prepare the royal highway (TIS 346, also: ‘Prepare the Way, O Zion’)
** Prepare the way, O Zion (also: TIS 346, ‘Prepare the Royal Highway’)
* Return, my people, Israel with penitential tear (NCH 114, James F.D. Martin)
* Saviour of the nations, come (TIS 295, Martin Luther) (UMH 214)
Spirit divine, attend our prayers (TIS 406 + AHB 377)
* Spirit of God, descend upon my heart (BOP 382) (UMH 500)
Spirit of God, that moved of old (AHB 319)
* “Star Child” (TFWS 2095)
The desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose (Ph 18)
** The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices (TIS 279 + AHB 212, Willard J. Jabusch) (TFWS 2091)
** The voice of God goes out to all the world (TIS 282 + SA 86, Luke Connaughton)
This Kingdom (SCE 278/HS/P&W 763/ATO 329, Geoff Bullock)
"Toda la Tierra" (UMH 210, “All earth is waiting…”)
There’ll be peace, peace for every woman, every man (AT 220, Robin Mann)
Thy kingdom come on bended knee (BOP 784)
Veni sancte Spiritus (TIS 752, from the Taizé Community)
Who made the earth and the heaven? (BOP 339, Spiritual)
Who would think that what was needed (NCH 153, John Bell & Graham Maule)
With joy draw water from the spring (NCH 109)
==[ Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19 ]==
* All hail the power of Jesus’ name (TIS 224 + AHB 159) (UMH 154,155)
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel (Song 18, Shirley Powell)
* Blessed be the name! Blessed be the name! (UMH 63)
Blessed be the name of the Lord (TFWS 2034)
* Comfort, comfort all my people (TIS 647, Robin Mann (ATN 25/AOV2-12 various)
Earth has many a noble city (TIS 291 + AHB 216)
Freedom is coming (ATO 355, African trad.)
From the rising of the sun (SIS 142/P&W 116/SOF 121, Deming)
From the sun’s rising (SCE 116, Graham Kendrick)
God’s name forever shall endure (BOP 43, para. Scottish Psalter)
*** Hail to the Lord’s anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203) (BOP 115) (CH 140) (NCH 104) (Ph 205) (Rejoice 248) (UMH 203)
* He came down (TFWS 2085)
His name forever shall endure (Rejoice 252)
* Holy Spirit, come to us (TFWS 2118)
I, the Lord of sea and sky (TIS 658, Daniel L. Schutte) (TFWS 2178)
** Jesus shall reign where’re the sun (TIS 207 + AHB 136) (BOP 275) (NCH 300) (Rejoice 144) (UMH 157)
Justice shall flourish in God’s time (Ph 204)
Let it rain (SCE 314, Pott)
* Lift up your heads, ye gates of brass (TIS 267 + AHB 381) (UMH 213)
* Lift up your heads, you mighty gates (TIS 267 + AHB 381) (UMH 213)
* O day of God, draw nigh (TIS 547 + AHB 547)
Prepare the way for Jesus to return (SOF 457, Pip & Alison Roseblade)
Psalm 72 (Gelineau Psalm 72)
Seek the Lord (UMH 124)
Send Your word (UMH 195)
* Song of Hope (TFWS 2186)
Teach me, God, to wonder (BOP 704, Walter H. Farquharson)
The Lord will come and not be slow (AHB 194)
* When God restored our common life (TFWS 2182)
When morning gilds the skies (TIS 227 + AHB 151)
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (TIS 454 + AHB 382)
Wounded world that cries for healing (TFWS 2177)
==[ Romans 15:4-13 ]==
Benediction (DMAC, David MacGregor, May the God of peace…”)
Blessed quietness (TFWS 2142)
Blest be the dear uniting love (UMH 566)
* Brother, sister let me serve you (TIS 648, Brent Chamber ‘The Servant Song’ (SIS 256/SOF 54)
* Christ accepted you ("The Song of Acceptance") (Covenant 60) (Song 398, Dale Garratt)
Christ is the world’s true light (TIS 238 + AHB 179)
* Come now, O prince of peace (TFWS 2232)
Come, O Spirit, from on high (AHB 326)
** Come, Thou long expected Jesus (TIS 272 + AHB 200) (UMH 196)
Community of Christ, who make the Cross your own (TIS 473, Shirley E. Murray)
Dear Christ, uplifted from the earth (BOP 702, Brian A. Wren)
Glorify Thy name (TFWS 2016)
* Glory beyond glory (TIS 678, John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
* Go now in peace (BOP 620, Brian A. Wren) (UMH 665)
God give you joy and lead you on ahead (AT 294, Grace Simpson)
** Hail to the Lord’s anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203)(CH 140) (NCH 104) (Ph 205) (Rejoice 248) (UMH 203)
Happy the home that welcomes you, Lord Jesus (TIS 581 + AHB 495)
Hark a herald voice is calling (TIS 264 + AHB 192)
* He came down (TFWS 2085)
** Help us accept each other (TIS 648, Frederick H. Kaan) (BOP 632) (Ph 358) (UMH 560)
Hope of the world (UMH 178)
* How brightly beams the morning start (TIS 199 + AHB 220)
** How shall I sing to God (TIS 667, Brian A. Wren) (BOP 697)
Hope of the world, Thou Christ of great compassion (Ph 360)
I greet Thee, who my sure Redeemer art (TIS 198 + AHB 128) (BOP 678)
* In Christ there is no east or west (TIS 549 + AHB 391)
Jesus, united by Thy grace (AHB 365) (UMH 561)
* Lord Christ, true peace of all above (TIS 623, Brian A. Moore)
Lord, dismiss us with Thy blessing (UMH 671)
Lord enthroned in heavenly splendour (TIS 520 + AHB 441)
Lord Jesus, our bright Morning Star (TIS 199 + AHB 220)
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy (TIS 613 + AHB 546) (UMH 2197)
** Lord of the living, in Your name assembled (TIS 637 + SA 64, Frederick H. Kaan) (BOP 603)
* Lord, Your word abiding (TIS 427 + AHB 333)
May the God of hope go with us every day (BOP 726, Alvin Schumaat)
May the God of peace (DMAC, David MacGregor ‘Benediction’)
May the Lord bless you today (AT 408, Sharny Russell-Schlencker)
* May the mind of Christ my Saviour (TIS 609 + AHB 537)
O brother man, fold to thy heart thy brother (TIS 587 + AHB 503)
O church of God, united (UMH 547)
O Holy Spirit, by whose breath (AHB 329)
O Holy Spirit, enter in (AHB 400)
O Spirit of the living God 405 318
* O let the Son of God unfold you (TIS 655, John Wimber ‘Spirit Song’) (UMH 347)
** O Morning Star, How Fair and Bright (NCH 158) (UMH 247)
* Oh for a world where everyone (BOP 730, Miriam Therese Winter)
Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is in you (SIS 614/SCE 438/SOF 480, Graham Kendrick)
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind (Common Ground 117, Margaret Olds) [Scotland]
* Song of Hope (TFWS 2175)
* Spirit Song (TIS 655, John Wimber, “O let the son of God unfold you…”) (UMH 347)
Strengthen for service, Lord, the hands (TIS 496 + AHB 417)
Thanks to God whose word was spoken (TIS 431 + AHB 339)
The Lord Jehovah reigns, (TIS 117 + AHB 37)
Together we serve (TFWS 2175)
We gather here to bid farewell (BOP 614, Margaret Clarkson)
* When Christ was lifted from the earth (TIS 248 + SA 93)
You are mine (TFWS 2218)
* Your words to me are life and health (TIS 430 + AHB 337)
==[ Matthew 3:1-12 ]==
[Prayer for Advent: UMH 201]
A charge to keep I have (TIS 573 + AHB 487) (UMH 413)
* All earth is waiting (UMH 210, “Toda la Tierra”)
** All my hope on God is founded (TIS 560 + AHB 465)
Alleluia (UMH 186)
Behold the amazing gift of love (TIS 115 + AHB 36)
* Blessed be the God of Israel (TIS 284, Michael A. Perry) (UMH 209)
* Breathe on me, breath of God (TIS 407 + AHB 320)
** Christ, when for us You were baptised (TIS 250 + SA 20, Francis B. Tucker) (BOP 183)
Christ is a-comin’ (ATE 340, Simpson)
*** Christmas is coming, the church is glad to sing (TIS 289, John L. Bell)
[Advent Candles] [This Iona Community song links well with today’s gospel, as well as offering uses with an Advent candle/wreath litany D. MacGregor]
* Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (TIS 272 + AHB 200)
** Comfort, comfort, all my people (TIS 647 + SA 25, Robin Mann) (ATN 25/TIS 647/various)
Descend, O Spirit, purging flame
Father, we adore you (SOF 97, Carl Tuttle)
Freedom is coming (ATO 355, African trad.)
From heaven above to earth I come (TIS 296 + AHB 219)
Get ready, get ready (DMAC, David MacGregor) [kid-friendly]
God has spoken to His people, hallelujah! (SA 39, Willard F. Jabusch)
Great is Your faithfulness, O God my Father (TIS 154)
* Hark! A herald voice is calling (TIS 264 + AHB 192)
Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding (BOP 116)
Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes (TIS 269 + AHB 197)
Herald! Sound the note of judgement (BOP 117, Moir A. J. Waters)
I hear a sound (SIS 340/P&W 87, Gustafson)
I will never be the same again (SCE 264, Geoff Bullock)
* In a dusty old place called Bethlehem (AT) 338, "God in Human Shoes" by Matthew Thiele)
It’s me, it’s me, O Lord (UMH 352, Spiritual)
Jesus comes will all His grace (TIS 219 + AHB 149)
* Like the murmur of the dove’s song (TIS 419, Carl P. Daw)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (TIS 273 + AHB 201, Charles Wesley)
Lord, the light of Your love is shining (TIS 675, Graham Kendrick) (BOP 376)
Make way, make way (SIS 587/SCE 349/SOF/P&W 449, Graham Kendrick)
* O bless the God of Israel (TIS 284, Michael A. Perry)
O Holy Spirit, by whose breath (AHB 329)
O Holy Spirit, enter in (AHB 400)
** O let the Son of God unfold you (TIS 655, John Wimber ‘Spirit Song’) (UMH 347)
O Spirit of the living God (TIS 405 + AHB 318)
* O Thou who camest from above (TIS 572 + AHB 486) (UMH 501)
*** On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry (TIS 270 + AHB 199) (NCH 115) (Ph 10)
Open my eyes, that I may see (UMH 454)
** Prepare the royal highway (TIS 346, also: ‘Prepare the Way, O Zion’)
Prepare the way for Jesus to return (SOF 457, Pip & Alison Roseblade)
** Prepare the way, O Zion (also: TIS 346, ‘Prepare the Royal Highway’)
* Prepare the way of the Lord (UMH 207)
Prepare ye the way of the Lord the (70s rock musical: Godspell)
Sing out with joy, he is coming (ATW 434, Dell)
** Spirit Song (TIS 655, John Wimber, “O let the son of God unfold you…”) (UMH 347)
Take my life, and let it be (TIS 599 + AHB 520) (UMH 399)
* There’s a light upon the mountain (TIS 276 + AHB 207)
‘Tis the old ship of Zion (UMH 341)
* “Toda la Tierra” (UMH 210, “All earth is waiting…”)
Thou who camest from above (TIS 572 + AHB 486)
Welcome the king (SCE 549, Graham Kendrick)
* When he was baptized in Jordan (TIS 252 + SA 91, Bernard A. Braley)
Wild and lone the prophet’s voice (Ph 409)
Your God will come (ATW 454, Gillingham)
(D.) MORE CAROLS, HYMNS, SONGS & CHORUSES:
===[ FOR ADVENT ]===
A great and mighty wonder
A shoot shall come out (CH 126, The Peaceful Realm)
A stable lamp is lighted whose glow shall wake the sky (CH 141, Richard Wilbur)
*** All Earth is waiting (BOP 109) (NCH 121) (UMH 210, Toda la Tierra) (VU 5) (CH 139)
All things are possible (P&W 815/HS/SCE 17, Darlene Zschech)
* Awake! Awake, and greet the new morn (NCH 107, Marty Haugen) (CH 138)
Behold a Virgin Bearing Him
* Blessed be the God of Israel (UMH 209, Michael Perry) (CH 135)
Blessed be the God of Israel (CH 137, Song of Zechariah)
Blest be the King whose coming
Christ, whose glory fills the skies (TIS 212 + AHB 140) (Ph 462,463)
Christians all, your Lord is coming (CH 136, Jim Miller)
* ‘Christmas is coming’, the church is glad to sing (TIS 289, John L. Bell)
/ADVENT WREATH/
Come, let us to the Lord our God (TIS 577 + AHB 490)
* Come, O Jesus, come, O Lord (AHB 211)
Come to be our hope, O Jesus (TIS 688)
* Come surely, Lord Jesus, as dawn follows night (CH 128, Mary Anne Parrott)
Come to be our hope, O Jesus (TIS 688, Jaci Maraschin)
* Come to us/ We believe You are the way (AT 314, Sharny Russell-Schlencker)
*** Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (TIS 273 + AHB 200) (TIS 122) (UMH 196)(CH 125) (Ph 1,2)
Come, Thou Redeemer
Come to us (ATO 314, Sharny Russell-Schlenker)
* Comfort, comfort all my people (TIS 647, Robin Mann) (ATN 25)
** Comfort, comfort you my people (BOP 113) (NCH 101) (CH 122) (Ph 3)
Comfort, O comfort my people (CH 123)
Creator of the stars of night (BOP 111) (Ph 4) (CH 127)
Creator of the starry height
* Drawn to the light/ People who walk in darkness (ATO 315, John Ylvisaker)
* Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel (BOP 114, Bob McGee) (CH 134) (UMH 204)
Father eternal, ruler of creation (AHB 540)
For Mary, Mother of our Lord
Gabriel’s message does away
Gentle Joseph, Joseph dear (NCH 105)
Get ready for Christmas! (David MacGregor DMAC)
Grace and truth shall mark the way (Ps. 25)
Hail, O Mary, full of grace
Hail, O star that pointest
* Hail to the Lord’s anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203)(BOP 115) (NCH 104) (UMH 203) (CH 140)
Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (UMH 208, Canticle of Zechariah)
* Hark! A herald voice is calling (TIS 264 + AHB 192)
Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding (BOP 116)
** Hark the glad sound! The Saviour comes (TIS 269 + AHB 197) (BOP 118)
He became poor that we may be rich (TIS 721, John L. Bell)
He who by a mother’s love (TIS 277 + AHB 204)
Herald! Sound the note of triumph! (BOP 117)
** Hope is a star that shines in the night (BOP 119) (CH 132, Brian A. Wren)
I want to walk as a child of the light (UMH 206, Kathleen Thomerson)
In a dusty old place called Bethlehem (ATO 338, Matthew Thiele "God in Human Shoes")
Isaiah the prophet has written of old (NCH 108, Joy Patterson)
* Jesus comes with clouds descending (Ph 6) (TIS 273 + AHB 201)
Joseph, your love of life brought an engagement (TIS 328, Patrick G. Michaels)
** Joy to the world! The Lord is come (TIS 268 + AHB 224) (CH 143)
Keep awake, be always ready (NCH 112)
Let all be one in mind and heart (TIS 247 + AHB 186))
** Let all mortal flesh keep silence (TIS 497 + AHB 418)(UMH 626)(CH 124)(Ph 5)
* Lift up your heads, O mighty gates (TIS 267)(NCH 117)(UMH 213)(CH 129)(Ph
** Light one candle for hope (TIS 286, Natalie Sleeth) /ADVENT WREATH/
Like a child love would send to reveal (CH 133, Dan Damon)
Little Bethlehem of Judah (NCH 113, Calvin Seerveld)
* Lo! Christ comes with clouds descending (TIS 273 + AHB 201) (BOP 120) (Ph 6)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (TIS 273 + AHB 201) (Ph 6)
Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (UMH 216)
*** Long ago, prophets knew (TIS 283 + SA 61, Fred Pratt Green) (BOP 121)
Lord Christ, when first You came to earth (AHB 208) (Ph 7)
Lord Jesus Christ, You have come to us (TIS 526 + AHB 451)
* Make way, make way for Christ the Lord (Song 587, Graham Kendrick)
Mary, blessed teenage mother
* Mary, woman of the promise (NCH 123, Mary F. Fleischaker) (VU 16)
** Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord (TIS 315 + AHB 205)
My heart sings out with joyful praise (NCH 106, Ruth Duck)
* My Lord! What a morning (Ph 449, Spiritual)
* My soul gives glory to my God (NCH 119) (CH 130) (UMH 198, Miriam Therese Winter)
My soul glorifies the Lord (AHB 310, The Magnificat, Joseph Gelineau)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord (CH 131, Song of Mary)
* No wind at the window, no knock on the door (TIS 287, John L. Bell)
* Not the powerful, not the privileged (TIS 288, John L. Bell)
Nova, nova
Now tell us, gentle Mary
O Ancient Love (VU 17)
* O bless the God of Israel (TIS 284, Ruth Duck) (NCH 110)
O bride of Christ, rejoice (TIS 336)
*** O come, O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193) (BOP 122) (NCH 116)(UMH 211) (CH 119) (Ph 9)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O Comfort Ye My People
O day of God, draw nigh (TIS 616 + AHB 547)
O how shall I receive You? (NCH 102)
O Lord, how shall I meet You? (Ph 11)
O loving founder of the stars (NCH 111, Latin anon. 9th century)
O sing a new song to the Lord (TIS 56 + AHB 196, Scottish Psalter)
O sing a new song to the Lord (TIS 54, Willcock Psalm 96)
** O what a gift, what a wonderful gift! (TIS 278 + AHB 213, Pat Uhl)
O where are kings and empires now
* Of the Father’s love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (NCH 118)(UMH 184)
* On Jordan’s bank the Baptist’s cry (TIS 27 + AHB 199) (BOP 126) (Ph 10)
* Come surely, Lord Jesus, as dawn follows night (CH 128, Mary Anne Parrott)
Patiently waiting for you (ATW 502, Robin Mann)
People in darkness are looking for light (BOP 124, Dosia Carlson)
** People, look east. The time is near (BOP 125, Eleanor Farjeon) (Ph 12)
(UMH 202) (CH 142) (VU 9)
* People who walk in darkness (AT 315, John Ylvisaker, "Drawn to the light")
*** Prepare the Royal highway (TIS 346) (BOP 129) (Ph 13)
*** Prepare the way, O Zion (BOP 129) (TIS 346) (Ph 13)
Prepare the way of the Lord (UMH 207, Taizé Chant) (CH 121)
Prepare the of the Lord (UMH 207, Taizé Chant) (CH 121)
Rejoice! Rejoice, believers (Ph 15)
Return, my people, Israel, with penitential tear (NCH 114, James F.D. Martin)
Robe yourself, my soul, in gladness (TIS 503 + AHB 424)
* Saviour of the nations, come (TIS 295)(Ph 14)(UMH 214)
Send, Lord, Like Dew
Send Your Word, O Lord, like the rain (UMH 195, Yasushige Imakoma)
She Walked in the Summer (VU 12)
Sing we of the Blessed Mother
* "Sleepers, Wake!" A voice astounds us (Ph 17)
* "Sleepers, Wake!" A voice astounds us (BOP 127) (Ph 17)
* Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! (TIS 161 + AHB 109)(UMH 200)
** The advent of our God (TIS 271 + AHB 198)
** The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222) (Ph 16)
The Baptist shouts on Jordan’s shore (NCH 115)
The desert shall rejoice (Ph 18, Gracia Grindal)
The earth is the Lord’s (UMH 212, Psalm 24 - King James Version)
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed (UMH 199, Canticle of Mary)
The God whom earth and sky and sea
The King shall come
** The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices (TIS 279 + AHB 212, Willard F. Jabusch)
The Lord will come and not be slow (AHB 194, by John Milton)
* The north wind is tossing the leaves (TIS 322 + AHB 246, William G. James)
The people that in darkness walked (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
* The voice of God goes out to all the world (TIS 282 + SA 86, Luke Connaughton)
The Word whom earth and sea and sky
* There’s a light upon the mountains (TIS 276 + AHB 207)
* There’s a voice in the wilderness crying (BOP 128) (NCH 120)
*** Thou didst leave Thy throne with a kingly crown (AHB 206)
Timeless love! We sing the story
* To a maid engaged to Joseph (BOP 130) (Ph 19)(UMH 215, Gracia Grindal)
To a Maid whose Name was Mary
* To a maid whose name was Mary (BOP 130, Gracia Grindal) (Ph 19) (UMH 215) (VU 14)
To us a child of royal birth (TIS 308 + AHB 230)
Tomorrow Christ is coming (BOP 131, Fred Kaan)
Virgin-born, we bow before thee
** Wake, awake for night is flying (TIS 266 + AHB 195) (UMH 720) /COMMUNION/
* Watchman, tell us of the night (Ph 20) (NCH 103)
* We believe You are the way (ATO 314, Sharny Russell-Schlencker, "Come to us")
* We look for light but find darkness (UMH 205, Canticle of Light & Darkness)
What is the crying at Jordan? (BOP 132, Carol Christopher Drake)
When Adam fell God gave His word (AHB 211, James P. McAuley)
** When God almighty came to be one of us (TIS 281 + AHB 214, Michael E. Hewlett)
* When He comes back, when He comes back (TIS 280 + SA 92, Malcolm Stewart)
Why this tumult among nations? (AHB 209, Gelineau Psalm 2)
Wild and lone the prophet’s voice (Ph 409)
With joy draw water from the spring (NCH 109, Anne McKinstry)
With joy we meditate the grace (TIS 206 + AHB 134)
Ye servants of the Lord (AHB 474)
Ye who claim the faith of Jesus (UMH 197)
* Ye who own the faith of Jesus (UMH 197)
* Your coming, Lord, to earth in Bethlehem (TIS 285 + SA 98, Wesley Milgate)
Your God will come (ATW 454, Gillingham)
……………………………
[ ADVENT CHORUSES ]
(from the "All-Together" songbooks)
[Slow]
Comfort, comfort all my people (AT 25, Robin Mann)
His name is wonderful (AT 55)
Help us, Lord (AT 187)
* In dark and dusty land (AT 454, Michael Gillingham, "Your God will come")
Light of the nations, sight of the blinded (AT 389, Robin Mann)
* People who walk in darkness have south (AT 315, John Ylvisaker, "Drawn to the light")
* There’ll be peace, peace for every woman, every man (AT 220, Robin Mann) [Moderate]
Come, Lord Jesus, come (AT 20)
Emmanuel: God is with us (AT 17)
* Freedom is coming, freedom is coming (AT 355, South African)
God has chosen me, God has chosen me (AT 402, Bernadette Farrell)
God of night and day (AT 502, Robin Mann, "Patiently waiting for you")
* Longing for light, we wait in darkness (AT 313, Bernadette Farrell,
"Christ, be our light")
My soul is praising the Lord, yes! (AT 260, Peter Kearney)
Vine and fig tree (AT 36)
We believe You are the way (AT 314, Sharny Russell-Schlencker, "Come to us")
[Fast]
Christ is a-comin’, a-comin’ in glory (AT 229, Grace Simpson)
Get ready, get ready (AT 420, Gerry Holmes)
O Mary, don’t you weep (AT 142)
Sing out with joy, He is coming (AT 434, David R. Dell)
Soon and very soon we are going to see the King! (AT 302, Andrae Crouch)
They were waiting, waiting for the time (AT 221, Robin Mann)
When the Lord returns, singing alleluia (AT 309, Damian Lundy)
===[ FOR CHRISTMAS ]===
A song for Christmas (GGIVES3, Schultz) (Child-friendly)
A voice is heard (NCYC ‘99/AOVK 50/ATW 430, Watts/O’Brien)
All my heart today rejoices (Ph 21)
** Angels from the realms of glory (TIS 309 + AHB 235) (BOP 146)
Angels we have heard on high (BOP 147) (UMH 238) (CH 155) (NCH 125) (Ph 23)
As shepherds filled with joy (NCH 149, Puerto Rican Carol)
* As with gladness men of old (TIS 314 + AHB 239)
** At Christmastime the birds all sing (GGIVES2/Leigh Newton) (Child-friendly)
** Away in a manger (TIS 318 + AHB 242) (BOP 149)
Behold, a rose is growing (TIS 294, Es Ist Ein Rose)
* Born in the night, Mary’s child (TIS 232, Geoffrey Ainger) (BOP 137)
Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light (Ph 26) (NCH 140) (UMH 223)
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning (TIS 310 + AHB 234)
Carol our Christmas, an upside-down Christmas (NCH 141, Shirley E. Murray)
* Child in the manger, infant of Mary (TIS 319 + AHB 241, Tune: Morning Has Broken)
Child so lovely, here I kneel before You (UMH 222, Nino Lindo)
* Christians, awake! Salute the happy morn (TIS 306 + AHB 231)
Christian women, Christian me (Ph 348)
** Christmas in the Scrub (GGIVES2/Leigh Newton) (Child-friendly)
Cold December flies away (UMH 233, "En el Frio Invernal")
* Coldly the night winds winging (TIS 321 + AHB 245, Morris Marin)
Colours of Christmas (GGIVES2/Leigh Newton) (Child-friendly)
Come, my soul, you must be waiting
Come, your hearts and voices raising (TIS 297)
Donkey, Donkey (God Gives … Songs for Kids, Book 2)
* Down to earth as a dove (CH 168, Fred H. Kaan) (VU 42)
Drawn to the Light (AT 315, John Ylvisaker)
Earth has many a noble city (TIS 291 + AHB 216)
Earth lies spellbound (SCE 85, Kendrick)
Emmanuel (HS, Morgan)
For unto us a child is born ("Wonderful Counsellor) (Song 665, John Michael Talbot)
From a distant home (UMH 243, "De Tierra Lejana Venimos")
From east to west, from shore to shore (AHB 217)
* From heaven above to earth I come (TIS 296 + AHB 219, by Marin Luther)
Funny kind of night, funny kind of day (TIS 329, John L. Bell)
Gentle Mary laid her child, lowly in a manger (Ph 27)
Get ready (ATW 420, Gerry Holmes) (GGIVES4) (Child-friendly)
Give a shout in celebration (DMAC, David MacGregor)
Glad tiding! Glad tidings! (NCH 146, "Nu Oli")
Glory (P&W 679/SCE 121/TIS 718/HS, Geoff Bullock)
* Go, tell it on the mountain (BOP 133) (CH 167) (NCH 154) (Ph 29) (UMH 251, Spiritual)
Glory to God (Child-friendly)
God bless us and disturb (HSNW, The Iona Community)
God from on high has heard (AHB 226)
God gave Jesus for us all (TIS 719, David MacGregor) (DMAC) (Child-friendly)
God rest you merry people all (AHB 233, Anon. English)
** Good Christians, all rejoice (TIS 313 + AHB 238) (BOP 141)
God’s love made visible! (CH 171, Iola Brubeck)
** Hark! The herald angels sing (TIS 303 + AHB 227) (BOP 139)
He became poor that we may be rich (TIS 721, John L. Bell)
Heaven invited you to a party (SCE 150, Graham Kendrick)
* He is born, the holy Child (BOP 169) (UMH 228, "Il Est Ne", French Carol)
Her baby, newly breathing (CH 158, Brian A. Wren)
Holy night, blessed night (Ph 33, Mandarin Carol)
How brightly beams the morning star! (AHB 220)
I am for you (HSNW, John L. Bell, The Iona Community)
* I wonder as I wander, out under the sky (BOP 142, trad. John Jacob Niles (CH 161)
Immanuel, O Immanuel (SCE 219, Graham Kendrick)
* In a dusty old place called Bethlehem (AT 338, Matthew Thiele, "God in Human Shoes")
In Bethlehem a Babe was born (Ph 34, Barbara Mays)
* In Bethlehem a new-born boy (BOP 140) (Ph 35, Rosamond E. Herklots)
* Infant holy, infant lowly (BOP 143, Polish Carol)
* In the bleak midwinter, frosty winds made moan (BOP 145) (Ph 36) (UMH 221) (NCH 128)
In the fields near Bethlehem (TIS 327 + SA 51, Chinese, tr. Wesley Milgate)
"Innkeepers & Light Sleepers" (Carols by John Bell & The Iona Community)
* It came upon the midnight clear (BOP 148) (Ph 38) (UMH 218) (CH 153) (NCH 131)
It’s a surprise Gibson (GBEAT2) (Child-friendly)
It’s Christmas (DMAC, David MacGregor) (Child-friendly)
Jesus, Jesus, oh, what a wonderful child (NCH 136, Spiritual)
Jesus joy (SASB, Currie) [kid-friendly]
* Jesus, our brother, king and good (BOP 150) (NCH 138) (UMH 227, "The Friendly Beasts")
Joseph, your love of life brought an engagement (TIS 328, Patrick G. Michaels)
** Joy to the world! The Lord is come (TIS 268 + AHB 224) (CH 143) (BOP 153)
Joyful, joyful, Christmas day is here (Ph 39, Toshiaki Okamoto)
Let all together praise our God (TIS 298)
Let earth and heaven combine (TIS 305 + AHB 229, by Charles Wesley)
Let us even now go to Bethlehem (NCH 142, Philippines Carol)
* Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (TIS 294, Es Ist Ein Ros) (Ph 48) (UMH 216) (CH 160) (NCH 127)
Lord, bid Your servant go in peace (TIS 324 + AHB 248)
Lord Christ, when first You came (Ph 7)
Lord, I lift your name on high (P&W 736/SCE 330, Founds)
Lord, You were rich beyond all splendour (BOP 134, Frank Houghton)
Love came down at Christmas (TIS 317 + AHB 243)
Mary’s song (Palmer/Grant) (Child-friendly)
My Master, see, the time has come (UMH 226)
Never in all human story was a sight so wondrous seen (TIS 320)
** O come, all ye faithful (TIS 304 + AHB 228) (BOP 159)
O come and join the dance (SCE 381)
* O how joyfully, O how hopefully (TIS 330, Brian A. Wren)
* O little town of Bethlehem (TIS 316 + AHB 240) (BOP 164,165)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (UMH 247)
O sleep, dear holy Baby (Ph 45, Hispanic Folk Song)
O thou joyful, O thou wonderful (CH 169, "Oh Santisimo!")
Of eternal love begotten (BOP 163)
* Of the Father’s love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (NCH 118) (UMH 184) (BOP 163)
On a special kind of night (Vawser) (Child-friendly)
** On Christmas night all Christians sing (TIS 300) (BOP 162, Trad. Arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams)
On this day earth shall ring (Ph 46) (UMH 248, "Piae Cantiones")
* Once in royal David’s city (TIS 312 + AHB 237) (BOP 166)
Our God put off His glory in coming down to earth (AHB 247, Batak Song, Sumatra)
People, look east (Ph 12)
People who walk in darkness have sought (AT 315, John Ylvisaker, "Drawn to the Light")
* Pull back the veil on the dawn of creation (TIS 326, John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice (Ph 15)
Rejoice, ye pure in heart! (Ph 145,146)
Rock-a-bye, my dear little boy (UMH 235, Czech Carol)
Run, run, run (GBEAT2, Beales) (Child-friendly)
* Saviour of the nations, come (TIS 295, by Marin Luther, tr. David A. Schubert) (Ph 14)
* See amid the winter’s snow (BOP 168) (Ph 51)
See the little baby born in manger (NCH 147, Donald Swift)
Sheep fast asleep, there on a hill (Ph 52) (NCH 137, Genzo Miwa, Japanese Carol)
** Silent night! Holy night! (TIS 311 + AHB 236, by Joseph Mohr) (BOP 154)
Sing a different song (NCH 150, The Iona Community)
Sing out for joy, he is coming (ATW 434, Dell)
Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here! (French Carol)
Song of Mary (Ph 600)
Still, still, still (BOP 152) (Ph 47, Austrian Carol)
Tell me the story (AOVK 65, Peter Combe) (Child-friendly)
* That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable (BOP 155) (Ph 55) (UMH 241, Tom Colvin)
* The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222) (BOP 156)
The Desert shall rejoice (Ph 18)
** The first nowell the angel did say (TIS 301 + AHB 221) (BOP 136)
* The hands that first held Mary’s Child (BOP 158, Thomas H. Troeger)
The maker of the sun and moon (AHB 244)
The north wind is tossing the leaves (TIS 322 + AHB 246, John Wheeler)
* The snow lay on the ground, the stars shown bright (BOP 157) (Ph 57, Anglo-Irish Carol)
The special light of Christmas (Ellers/McAlister/Hudson) (Child-friendly)
** The Virgin Mary had a baby boy (TIS 307 + AHB 232, Anon. West Indies)
There’s a song in the air! (UMH 249) (CH 159)
There’s a star in the East on Christmas morn (Ph 50, Spiritual, "Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow")
This child (SCE 511)
To a maid engaged to Joseph (Ph 19)
To us a child of royal birth (TIS 308 + AHB 230, by Charles Wesley)
* ‘Twas in the moon of wintertime (BOP 144) (CH 166) (Ph 61) (NCH 151) (UMH 244, Huron Carol)
* Unto us a child is born! (TIS 293 + AHB 218) (BOP 160)
Watchman, tell us of the night (Ph 20)
We believe You are the way (AT 314, Sharny Russell-Schlencker, "Come to Us")
* What child is this, who laid to rest? (BOP 161) (Ph 53) (NCH 148) (UMH 219) (CH 162) (Tune: Greensleeves)
When Christmas morn is dawning, I wish that I could be (UMH 232)
When long before time (VU 248)
Where shepherds lately knelt (BOP 167, Jaroslav J. Vajda)
While by the sheep we watched at night (CH 170, "How Great Our Joy!")
* While shepherds watched their flocks by night (TIS 299 + AHB 223) (BOP 138)
* Who is the baby an hour or two old? (TIS 325, John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
Who would think that what was needed (NCH 153, John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
You are the mighty King (Song 677, Eddie Espinosa)
===[ WORDS TO SOME FAVOURITE CAROLS ]===
"MARY HAD A BABY"
Mary had a baby, my Lord.
Mary had a baby, my Lord.
Mary had a baby, Mary had a baby,
What did she call Him, my Lord? …
She named Him King Jesus, my Lord …
Where was He born, my Lord? …
Born in a stable, my Lord …
Who came to see Him?…
The shepherds came to see Him…
Mary had a baby, my Lord …
"OUR GOD PUT OFF HIS GLORY"
Our God put off His glory in coming down to earth;
He took on human frailty through Christ the Saviour’s birth.
No place could be found for him except a cattle stall.
We give Him room within our hearts, the infant Lord of all.
Still with us hear abiding, from death to life restored,
He comes to gently seeking, and asking to be Lord:
But even now turned aside by freeman and by thrall,
He waits to be invited in, the rightful Lord of all.
— From a Batak Song (Sumatra) tr. Ian Harris (1964)
"O CHRISTMAS TREE"
O Christmas, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
O Christmas, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
They’re green when Summer days are bright,
They’re green when Winter snow is white.
O Christmas, O Christmas Tree,
Your branches green delight us.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure.
How oft’ at Christmas tide the sight,
O green fir tree, gives us delight.
O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
You give us so much pleasure.
"O CHRISTMAS LIGHTS"
O Christmas lights, bright Christmas lights,
You tell the Christmas story…(2x)
Your gentle glow shone in the stall
Where Mary bore the Lord of all.
O Christmas lights, bright Christmas lights,
You tell the Christmas story!
"CHRISTMAS IN THE SCRUB"
At Christmas time, the birds all sing,
the rabbits jump, the lizards crawl,
At Christmas time, the outback rings-
And all for the birth of God!
AT THE BIRTH OF GOD: THE WALLABIES HOP,
FOR THE BIRTH OF GOD: THE COCKATOOS SQUAWK
FOR THE BIRTH OF GOD: THE PLATYPUS SWIMS,
FOR THE BIRTH OF GOD: THE KOOKABURRAS LAUGH,
FOR THE BIRTH OF GOD WAS SUCH EXCITING NEWS
THEY’D NEVER HEARD BEFORE:
THEY CAME FROM ALL THE LAND TO SEE
THE BABY IN THE STRAW!
And if you were there, you would’ve seen the wise old kangaroo…
O I’ve starved in droughts and swum the floods,
I’ve hopped around both up and down,
Through hills and plains I’ve never seen-
Such a baby in the straw! Refrain
And if you were there, you would’ve seen the wise little bandicoot…
O I’ve snuffled and fossicked the midnight scrub,
I’ve been in logs and fogs and bogs,
Well, bless my days, I’ve never heard-
Of a baby in the straw! Refrain
And if you were there, you would’ve heard the wise old noisy crow..
O I’ve flown this land, seen many a baby —
born in burrows, trees and furrows,
Yet this one outshines them all-
This baby in the straw! Refrain
===[ FEATURED HYMN, from HymnSite.com ]===
"LO, HOW A ROSE E’ER BLOOMING" (UMH 216)
Tune Name: ES IST EIN ROS
Words 15th cent. German; translated by Theodore Baker
Music from Alte Catholische Geistliche Kirchengesang; harmony by Michael Praetorius
Symbols are a curious thing. Some have universal meaning. Others are more colloquial, having significance only in a smaller community. Some have both. Many years ago I spoke with a man who had prepared a translation of the Bible in an African language. He had a problem when he came to the phrase, "white as snow." You see, that community had never seen or experienced snow. There was no word in their language for snow, and adopting a word for snow would have been meaningless. So he spoke with people to find out what one thing was considered to be the purest white.
In the Bible translation that he prepared, sins became as "white as popcorn!" Substituting this symbol may sound strange to many of us, but it carried a more powerful meaning for the people receiving the Word in that language.
The rose has been a symbol of many things. Many consider it to be the mightiest and most beautiful of all flowers. It is a symbol of beauty and love. "I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys." (Song of Solomon 2:1) It has been used as the symbol of mighty families. It is also a symbol of the Lord Jesus Christ. The Scriptures make a number of
references to flowers. Most of them allude to the flower fading and dying away. Unique to Christ, though, is the knowledge that this Rose blooms eternally. From the frail, tender stem of man blooms the beautiful, mighty, eternal Rose.
This week’s featured hymn reaches back through 500 years of tradition to tell with beauty and grace the wonderful story of the coming of the Rose.
1. Lo, how a Rose e’er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!
Of Jesse’s lineage coming, as those of old have sung.
It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,
when half spent was the night.
2. Isaiah ’twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;
with Mary we behold it, the Virgin Mother kind.
To show God’s love aright, she bore to us a Saviour,
when half spent was the night.
This Rose is the Lord for whom we prepare during Advent. Enjoy the beauty and sweetness. God bless you
– Lection@HymnSite.com
(See http://www.hymnsite.com/lection/)
==[ COCU Indexing Scheme ]===
A useful tool for indexing worship ideas, sermons, orders of services, church bulletins, etc. etc. whether for your filing cabinet or your computer files.
[Year A, 2007-2008]
01A. 02-Dec-07 First Sunday in Advent [Advent 1A]
02A. 09-Dec-07 Second Sunday in Advent [Advent 2A]
03A. 16-Dec-07 Third Sunday in Advent [Advent 3A]
04A. 23-Dec-07 Fourth Sunday in Advent [Advent 4A]
05A. 25-Dec-07 Christmas Eve / Christmas Day [Holy Nativity A]
06A. 30-Dec-07 First Sunday of Christmas [Christmas 1A]
07A. =not used in 2008= [Christmas 2A]
08A. 06-Jan-08 The Epiphany of Our Lord [Epiphany Sunday A]
09A. 13-Jan-08 The Baptism of Jesus [Ord. 1A] [Epiph. 1A]
10A. 20-Jan-08 Second Sunday After Epiphany [Ord. 2A] [Epiph. 2A]
11A. 27-Jan-08 Third Sunday After Epiphany [Ord. 3A] [Epiph. 3A]
12A. -08 Fourth Sunday After Epiphany [Ord. 4A] [Epiph. 4A]
13A. [Ord. 5A] [Proper 1]
14A. =not used in 2008= [Ord. 6A] [Proper 2]
15A. =not used in 2008= [Ord. 7A] [Proper 3]
16A. =not used in 2008= [Ord. 8A]
17A. 06-Feb-08 Transfiguration of Christ [1st Sunday Before
Lent]
18A. 09-Feb-08 Ash Wednesday [Ash Wednesday ABC]
19A. 13-Feb-08 1st Sunday in Lent [Lent 1A]
20A. 20-Feb-08 2nd Sunday in Lent [Lent 2A]
21A. 27-Mar-08 3rd Sunday in Lent [Lent 3A]
22A. 06-Mar-08 4th Sunday in Lent [Lent 4A]
23A. 13-Mar-08 5th Sunday in Lent [Lent 5A]
24A. 20-Mar-08 The Passion of Christ [Lent 6A] [Palm Sunday A]
25A. 21-Mar-08 Monday in Holy Week [Holy Monday A]
26A. 22-Mar-08 Tuesday in Holy Week [Holy Tuesday A]
27A. 23-Mar-08 Wednesday in Holy Week [Holy Wednesday A]
28A. 24-Mar-08 Thursday in Holy Week [Maundy Thursday A]
29A. 25-Mar-08 Good Friday [Good Friday A]
30A. 26-Mar-08 Holy Saturday [Holy Saturday A]
31A. 27-Mar-08 Easter Vigil / Easter Day [Easter Sunday A]
32A. 03-Apr-08 2nd Sunday of Easter [Easter 2A]
33A. 10-Apr-08 3rd Sunday of Easter [Easter 3A]
34A. 17-Apr-08 4th Sunday of Easter [Easter 4A]
35A. 24-Apr-08 5th Sunday of Easter [Easter 5A]
36A. 01-May-08 6th Sunday of Easter [Easter 6A]
37A. 05-May-08 Ascension Day [Ascension A]
38A. 08-May-08 7th Sunday of Easter [Easter 7A][Ascensiontide]
39A. 15-May-08 The Day of Pentecost [Pentecost A] [Whitsunday]
40A. 22-May-08 Trinity Sunday [Trinity A] [Pent 1A]
[Index Prepared by the COCU Commission on Worship, Princeton NJ, 1974.]
(Please email me privately if you want a full copy of this excellent indexing scheme.)\
=====[ RESOURCES & ACKNOWLEGEMENTS ]====
[PLEASE NOTE: The above resources are the protected work of their authors. They may be reproduced locally for use in worship, with proper acknowledgment to myself or the person concerned, but may not be used for commercial gain or profit. John Maynard, 2003.]
Bibliographical references (and useful links) may found at: STEPPING STONES: A Web Guide to Lectionary-Based Resources for Worship and Preaching (http://www.digtree.org.au/steppingstones)
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