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Songs, Hymns & Music for Advent 3A (December 14th 2025)

Click on this text to go to some General Advent Song Suggestions!

Isaiah 35:1-10 
The desert blooms, the weak are strong, the blind can see etc.
  • Tune In / Online Resource Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / UMH729 / VU682 / LBW161 / WoV762 / ELW627 / GtG373 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 / 82Hml-597 O day of peace that dimly shines (Carl Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER) or O WALY WALY which is used in URW. Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics.  New words to old tunes. 
  • TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / GtG077 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written (Joy Patterson) Excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future; I prefer to sing this to the tune JUDAS AND MARY (this is not the set tune in TiS). Lyrics (note: a different tune). New words to old(ish) tunes.
  • VU023 / CP104 Joy shall come even to the wilderness (Israeli traditional) Advent A traditional Israeli song. Excellent words and the tune is cool. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / AoV2-007 / AoVNG110 See I Make All Things New (Monica O'Brien, Trish Watts) I really love this song. “New, as night turns to morning, the spirit is calling I’m with you, I make all things new”. Sound and sheet music samples, and purchasing options.
  • Online resource Behold I make all things new (Bruce Harding) A nice short song with a folky feel. Sound sample, free sheet music.
  • Online Resource The prophets caught a vision (David Bjorlin) A song about the vision of the prophets, and our call to have prophetic visions too. Set to the old Welsh tune LLANGLOFFAN. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • AoV2-085 / Iona (T1AU) / MV115 / A&M328 / SP129 Behold behold I Make All Things New (John Bell) A nice hopeful upbeat short song. Highly recommended. Sound sample (scroll down) Good for kids.
  • G(II)249 / GC319 / GC(II)325 Close as tomorrow the sun shall appear / Walk in the Reign (Rory Cooney). I really like this one. “Close as tomorrow the sun shall appear. Freedom is coming and healing is near. And I shall be with you in laughter and pain to stand in the wind and walk in the reign”. Nice little lyrics twist there! The 4th verse mentions specific locations (Soweto, Gdansk, Tiannemen Square, The Bronx), which you could retain or change, as you feel appropriate. This sound sample gives it a bit of a gospel feel. Sheet music and lyrics. 
  • ATW 427 Heat haze shimmering on the horizon (Gerry Holmes) I quite like this. Very Australian. Might be best sung by your musicians if it is not yet known to your congregation.
  • MV144 / SP&P073 Like a healing stream (Bruce Harding) Gentle folksy ballad with a lot of water imagery - healing stream, gentle rain, river strong and mighty sea. Would need to be introduced, but would catch on pretty quickly, I think. Sound sample and free sheet music sample.
  • TiS 294 / NCH127 / UMH216 / VU008 / LBW058 / ELW272 / HPP133 / GtG129 / PH048 / GC368 / GC(II)373 / CP117 / W&R190 / Cha160 / 82Hml-081 Lo how a Rose e'er blooming / Behold a rose is growing (German 15th Century) I love this traditional Advent song; it's not so well-known in Australia. Cha126 is a responsive reading and sung response based on the same Advent hymn. History. Lyrics and sheet music. Here's Sufjan Stevens singing it. And Feist. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • Online Resource / TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / A&M742 / HPP74 / GtG610 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 / 82Hml-493 / StF364 / MP496 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Charles Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words, and it's such a fun tune. Be careful with the words "ye dumb". Voices United has "Hear him you deaf, you voiceless ones, your tongues again employ" which is more respectful. Lyrics and sheet music samples. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (Donald Schmidt) A fun and simple advent song - would be good any week of Advent, but fits particularly well this week.
  • ATE 221 They were waiting (Robin Mann) I think this is a great pop song - "Now the time has come. God is in the world, we have seen his day dawning in the sky". Lyrics.
  • ATA 205 What you hear in the dark (Dan Schutte) An older contemporary song. The 4th verse fits particularly well with this reading. I'm sure this doesn't have to sound as 1970s-folk-mass as this recording... Sound sample and lyrics.
  • SP&P020 We are waiting for you (Christopher Grundy) A gentle song of waiting. Would be good for the musicians to sing for the congregation during a meditative part of the service, or to commence the service. Sound sample. Sheet music. 
Psalm 146:5-10
God is great and cares for the widow, and brings justice etc.
  • Cha766 Blessed are the poor and needy for God's justice surely is theirs Simple, very familiar sung response, and responsive reading.
  • TiS 90 / AHB 44 / UMH60 / VU867 / GtG806 / PH253 / A&M673 / CP346 / CP(E) 473 / W&R79 / Cha20 / 82Hml-429 / StF079 / MP320 I'll praise my Maker while I've breath (Isaac Watts, England) A great classic hymn. Most sources are not inclusive; Voices United is! Lyrics and sheet music.  Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • URW357 Praise to the One who sets prisoners free (Elise Eslinger, USA) A great tune, and the response can be sung in three parts, or as a round. Can be sung with one or two cantors / readers or without the cantors. The refrain alone as a round could be good for kids.
  • Online Resource Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos (Eleazar Torregosa, Colombia) This jubilant song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Good for kids. Free sheet music. Sound sample.
  • Psalm Project (2010) Hallelujah Hallelujah The god of Jacob (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) A nice way to present this Psalm to the congregation; this would work during the offering for our congregation, or have the congregation (including the kids) sing the Hallelujah bits as a Psalm refrain. Note to BUC: I have this! Sound sample and lyrics.
  • G(3)093 I will praise the Lord all my days (Michael Joncas, USA) A lovely Psalm refrain, very straightforward. The verses could be sung or read. Sound sample.
  • TiS 702 / NCH768 / SFFS 2014 / GC257 / GC(II)263 / G(3)331 / PfAS146B / Lau539 Alleluia 7 (Jacques Berthier, France) A very straightforward Alleluia that builds with energy. PfAS uses this as a refrain to a cantored (or read) version of Psalm 146. Sheet music and sound samples (refrain only). 
  • WoV609 / GtG034 / SP&P055 / W&R735 / PfAS146B Hallelujah / Heleluyan (Muscogee / Charles Webb) Native American Hallelujah. It's simple and straightforward. PfAS146 uses it as a refrain to Psalm 146.It can also be used as a round (come in on each bar), and with a strong drum beat on 1 and 3. Sound recording. 
  • PfAS146B Hallelujah / Puji Tuhan (Christian Tamaela, Indonesia) A simple Bahasa Indonesian Alleluia set as a Psalm refrain for Psalm 146. It will need to be taught.
Alternate reading: Luke 1:46b-55
The magnificat! Yay! The magnificat!
 
Settings / Interpretations of the Magnificat
  • MV120 / StS124 / R245 / ELW723 / HPP88 / GtG100 / G(II)376 / GC556 / GC(II)527 / G(3)622 / PfAS075B / URW018 My soul cries out with a joyful shout (Canticle of the Turning) (Rory Cooney) This is my favourite Magnificat! No, really!! "Could the world be about to turn?" It's sung to a folk tune (STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN). Sound sample. Lyrics & Sheet music samples. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord / Canticle of Mary (ValLimar Jansen / Frank Jansen) This is a setting for gospel cantor and response. I would just use the response with a reader in our congregation, because the verses are quite tricky. Sound and sheet music samples and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource My soul magnifies the Lord / Mary's song (Jason Locke) A simpler cantor and response. You could also just use the response with a reading, but it is nice to have a cantor, so don't be scared. Thanks to Alan for sharing this! Sheet music. 
  • HiOS101 My heart is leaping (Marion Kitchingman) Good words, and a joyful tune. 
  • GA250 / StF060 My soul rejoices / Canticle of Mary (Owen Alstott) A simple, formal hymnlike Magnificat. Lyrics and pretty slow sound sample.
  • Online Resource / TiS 172 / NCH119 / UMH198 / VU899 / GtG099 / PfAS1042 / Cha130 My soul gives glory to my God (John Mueller) Simple and beautiful words to a simple and beautiful tune. Inclusive lyrics. Lyrics (plus lyrics to lots of other magnificats). Scroll down and look for "ecumenical". I recommend the newer translation by Mary Louise Bringle, which can be seen, heard, and purchased here.
  • Online resource Magnificat (Bruce Harding) A fun magnificat, using the Latin phrase “Magnificat amina mea deum”. It is quite challenging, so will need good musicians to make it work. Sound sample. Free sheet music.
  • ATAR639 / GC(II)782 / Lau338 My Soul Proclaims your Greatness O God (from Holden Evening Prayer) (Marty Haugen) Nice, simple to sing. Sheet music sample (you'll need to scroll through). Lyrics (where it says "Magnificat". 
  • Online Resource / GWA094 My soul sings in gratitude (Joy Cowley) No tune! This is a poem, which would be lovely to have read (preferably by a young woman) to your congregation. Poem.
  • Taizé / Iona (T1AU) / StS012 / GA545 / GC(II)522 / G(3)630 / PfAS1018 Magnificat “Magnificat amina mea dominum” (Jacques Berthier) A catchy and happy Taize round.  "Magnify!". There are also alternative English lyrics (Sing out my soul), which are good if your congregation prefers it. Sheet music, sound samples, and English translation.
Songs that relate to this passage, but are not the Magnificat 
  • MV134 There was a child in Galilee / Dreaming Mary (Janet Gadeski) This is a thoughtful, imaginative song of Mary, which would be best sung by a soloist, with the words made available for the congregation to ponder. Lyrics (scroll down past the videos, but make sure you watch the "Parody of a Modern Worship Service" video on the way down).
  • A&M185 / GC(II)362 / G(3)434 / SP069 Dark is the night / Sing Alleluia (Francis Patrick O'Brien) Excellent and simple Christmas song which reflects the magnificat and the happiness of Jesus’ parents. I especially like the last verse “Hope for the poor, release for the captive, Love for the outcast, light for weary eyes; Word that brings life, embracing humanity, Jesus, companion be born into our lives”. It would be particularly good for a Christmas eve service. The chorus would also work very nicely on its own. Lead sheet and lyrics. Sound sample.
  • W&R172 For Ages Women Hoped and Prayed (Jane Parker Huber) This is one of those "Coming, but already here songs" of Advent, and could be sung at other times of year, too. Thought-provoking words about what it may have been like for Mary to bear Christ; in 2024 this feels a little strange to be singing about the Saviour of Israel, and may need some explanation. Lyrics (a PDF). Set to VOX DILECTI, but could be sung to other tunes. It fits New Britain (the tune for Amazing Grace) quite nicely. New words to old tunes. 
  • Online Resource Mary did you know? (Jennifer Henry) This not the original, which was more of a wondering than the power and strength contained in the Magnificat. It is a new set of lyrics to the original tune. They pick up on how Mary could not have known that her song would have lasted so long. It's quite wonderful. Sound sample and lyrics. I especially love this version.
  • CH141 / A&M548 / SP250 / URW077 / StF114 Oh the life of the world is a joy and a treasure (Kathy Galloway) This is not a Magnificat, but holds some similar concepts! Good inclusive words about God's presence in "the life of the world" (nature, seasons, childbirth, justice). The tune is a simple Celtic-style melody. Lyrics.  
  • VU323 Maker of the sun and moon and mother of the earth (Peter Sharrocks) Wonderful inclusive words, and a beautiful tune, that for me sounds a lot like "Lord Jesus Christ, Lover of All" so melodically ties Advent in with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. You may like to sing it this Sunday and leave the last verse until Christmas day. Highly recommended. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource Christmas come close (Shirley Murray) Excellent words, sung to a simple hymnlike tune with some really beautiful images about difficult things and the hope that Christmas brings. A sad song, but with plenty of hope. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • ATAR639 / GC(II)782 / Lau338 My soul proclaims your greatness O God (from Holden Evening Prayer) (Marty Haugen) Nice, simple to sing. Sheet music sample (you'll need to scroll through). Lyrics (where it says "Magnificat". 
  • Online Resource The lowly will be lifted up (Carolyn Winfrey-Gillette) The magnificat imagery with a call to continue the work of Christ with the openness of Mary. Sung to a familiar tune. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource God make us agents of joyful rebellion (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody) Joy as a tool of rebellion, and our role as modern-day prophets. Set to a new tune, which is lovely to sing. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.     
  • Online Resource A word went out to Mary (Hannah Brown) Beautiful new poetry, with floral imagery, set to the tune ES IST EIN ROS' ENTSPRUNGEN. Sheet music sample and lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes. 
  • ACS907 Filled with hope and gratitude (Paul Damico-Carper) Good new words, sung to a simple tune (that sounds a bit like Loch Lomond). I like that the first and last verse specifically reference breastfeeding. Lyrics. Sound sample (with a bit of dancing). 
  • Online Resource / GWA094 My soul sings in gratitude (Joy Cowley) No tune! This is a poem, which would be lovely to have read (preferably by a young woman) to your congregation. Poem. 
  • Online Resource / GWA095 Holy holy holy O Wisdom from on high / Blessed and Holy (Bernadette Farrell) This is a setting of some of the O Antiphons which are sung with the Magnificat in the last week prior to Christmas in some traditions. They speak of our hope in Jesus to transform the world. This setting is easy to sing and has great words. Sound and sheet music samples and purchasing options.  
  • Online Resource / GWA091 Centuries of waiting / The Angels Say (Margaret McLarty / Stephen Fischbacher / Suzanne Butler) A fun song, with lots of verses and a stirring chorus. You could just choose the one with Zechariah in it for this week. I would make the verses alternating between a cantor and chorus, just like this recording, as the first and third lines are a little tricky in meter. It doesn't have to sound like a kid's song as it does in the video. Lyric video and purchasing options. Good for kids.
  • CH291 When out of poverty is born (Kathy Galloway) An excellent set of words for Advent that reflects on God's good news for the poor and the strength of Mary's faith. Set to the familiar tune KINGSFOLD. Lyrics (downloads PDF) New words to old tunes. 
  • Online Resource Advent begins in the darkness of night (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody) A haunting tune and beautiful words of Advent beginning in a place of darkness. Sheet music for purchase and download. Sound sample.
    James 5:7-10
    Have patience; Any Advent song would work here, really.... (see the link at the top of the page)
    • NCH121 / UMH210 / VU005 / WoV629 / ELW266 / W&R163 / Cha139 All earth is waiting / All earth is hopeful / Toda la tierra espera al Salvador (Alberto Taule, Spain) Fun Catalonian tune, good words, although the English translations vary between sources. Could be good for kids. A nice recording from Chile in Spanish. Slow and majestic organ sample and English lyrics.
    • SFFS 2211 Faith Is Patience in the Night (Mary Nelson Keithahn, USA) Good simple words and a good simple tune with a good simple refrain "Spirit God, give us faith". Lyrics.
    • Online Resource I am waiting / Waiting for the Dawn (Malcolm Gordon, New Zealand) New and beautiful tune and a new use of some quite old lyrics. I think this is really lovely. Sound sample available here. It gets pretty U2ish by the end. 
    • Tune In / Online Resource Longing for you (Elaine Loukes, Australia) A simple chant of longing for God; "Call to us lead us on". Sound sample, lyrics and songbook. 
    • ATFG 514 Emmanuel Carol / God of light we are waiting for you (Gael Berberick, USA) This is a lovely simple song, and easy to pick up I think. Sound sample.
    Matthew 11:2-11
    Jesus is the one the prophets foretold; And yes, lots of other Advent songs will work with this reading too. See the General list at the top of this page!
    • NCH107 / LBW633 / ELW242 / GtG107 / GC346 / GC(II)351 / G(3)423 / W&R160 / Cha138 / Lau157 Awake Awake and greet the new morn (Marty Haugen) Joyful Advent song, looking forward to justice and healing of all. Sheet music and lyric samples.
    • Online Resource If Jesus is come (Adam Tice / Sally Ann Morris) A powerful song with a driving melody, about how the world must be changed by us if we really believe that Jesus has come. Sound and sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
    • Online Resource Are you the one? (Mary Nelson Keithahn, USA) A good hymn that tells the story of this reading. Can be paired with multiple standard hymn tunes; to me it fits quite well to AURELIA. Thanks to Paul for this suggestion. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
    • TiS 647 / AoV2-012 / ATN 25 Comfort, comfort all my people (Robin Mann) Easy to sing, beautiful lyrics. Chorus is “Comfort, comfort all my people, with the comfort of my word. Speak ye tender to my people, all your sins are taken away”. Note that most sources only list 2 verses, but there are two additional (more challenging) verses you may wish to consider using written for the Christmas Bowl in 1988; thanks to Simon for alerting me to them. Lyrics (including additional verses), Lyric video.
    • NCH101 / CH274 / VU883 / LBW29 / ELW256 / HPP84 / PHS003 / GtG087 / GC326 / GC(II)331 / G(3)413 / CP100 / W&R155 / Cha122 / 82Hml-067 / Lau097 Comfort Comfort O My People (Johann Olearius) A more traditional setting of this passage. I don’t know why this is not popular in Australia. The tune PSALM 42 (Genevan Psalter) also sometimes known as GENEVA is not the GENEVA in TiS. Of course, NCH has the most inclusive lyrics, but the others are mostly okay too. Lyrics. Sound sample. Sheet music for the tune.  Oldy-but-a-goody.
    • TiS 180 / UMH105 / W&R58 / Cha013 God of many names (Brian Wren) If this is new it will need to be taught to your congregation as the tune is not intuitive, but it is worth knowing. The chorus is particularly appealing to kids. Lyrics.
    • VU028 / LBW556 / CP111 / 82Hml-070 Herald Sound the note of gladness (Moir Waters) Good words to an adapted old hymn tune (NEW MALDEN). Some versions start with a verse about a note of judgement. Lyric video. New words to old tunes
    • Recorded music The Trumpet Child (Over the Rhine) We used this song a fair bit some years ago. For those who have not heard it, it's really worth a couple of listens. You can watch a video and read lyrics here.
    • Online Resource / TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / A&M742 / HPP74 / GtG610 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 / 82Hml-493 / StF364 / MP496 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Charles Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words, and it's such a fun tune. Be careful with the words "ye dumb". Voices United has "Hear him you deaf, you voiceless ones, your tongues again employ" which is more respectful. Lyrics and sheet music samples. Oldy-but-a-goody.
    • TiS 270 / AHB 199 / NCH115 / CH334 / VU20 / LBW548 / ELW842 / A&M046 / GtG096 / PH010 / G(II)260 / GC321 / 322 / GC(II)344 / G(3)418 / CP103 / CP(E) 34 / W&R156 / 82Hml-076 / Lau094 / StF182 / MP538 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry (Charles Coffin) If you would like inclusive lyrics, have a look at the New Century Hymnal’s version. If you’d like a groovy tune, check out AHB 199(ii) / GC322 – ST JOHN BAPTIST by Gary Lewis Miles and Betty Pulkingham. This is an excellent, fun tune. You can even combine the words of NCH115 with AHB199(ii) for the best of both worlds. But WINCHESTER NEW is also very good, and easy to sing if you don’t have a congregation full of people who grew up in the 60s and 70s. Lyrics and tune sample (Winchester New). Oldy-but-a-goody.
    • Taizé / UMH207 / VU10 / StS014 / GtG095 / GC336 / GC(II)330 / G(3)400 / W&R174 / Cha121 Prepare the way of the Lord (Jacques Berthier) A lovely simple round. Sheet music and clunky sound sample. Good for kids.
    • Seeds of Faith Prepare the Way For Love (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A good song for kids. I think it would be fun to make up additional verses for this one so it could carry through the whole of Advent. Sound sample and lyrics. BUC people, I have this book. Good for kids.
    • VU010 Prepare the way of the Lord (Michael Burkhardt) A lovely simple round in 6:8. "Prepare the way of the Lord! X2 Make a straight path for him, make a straight path. Prepare the way of the Lord!" You can split into 6 groups for this one! What fun!
    Do you have ideas you'd like to share? Please let me know them by adding a comment below.
    8 comments

    Songs, Hymns and Carols for Advent 2A (December 7 2025)

    See also general Advent songs

    Isaiah 11:1-10
    A prophecy of a righteous judge to come; a shoot of Jesse with the spirit of God.
    • Online Resource The lion and bear like the cattle will graze / The World God Imagines  (David Kai) This is such a joyful contemporary Celtic song! Excellent words, and a lot of fun to sing. It could be sung as a call and response for the verses if you feel like it. Sound sample, sheet music and more information. 
    • GA281 Gather in hope people of God / Advent Song (Deidre Browne / Jane Wood) Joyful refrain, and cantor response verses. "Gather in hope, people of God, sing the Advent song! Song of faith, song of trust, a song to welcome the Christ". The verses seem a bit tricky. Lyrics. 
    • TiS 284 / VU901 / ELW552 / W&R158 / GtG109 / Cha135 / URW012 / Lau008 Blessed be the God of Israel / O Bless the God of Israel (Michael Perry) Good words of Christ as the fulfiller of the prophets who will set God's people free From fear and darkness. Be aware that some versions (like TiS) use exclusively masculine language for God. URW and Chalice are inclusive. Set to the simple tune MERLE'S TUNE. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
    • TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / GtG077 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written (Joy Patterson) Excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future; I prefer to sing this to the tune JUDAS AND MARY (this is not the set tune in TiS). Lyrics (note: a different tune).  New words to old(ish) tunes. 
    • Online Resource / PH601 / WoV725 / PfAS1032 / URW010 Blest be the God of Israel (Song of Zechariah) (Carl Daw) A simple and inclusive paraphrase to the well-known hymn tune KINGSFOLD (TiS 262). Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
    • NCH109 With joy draw water (Anne McKinstry) Good words based on this and another Isaiah Advent reading. Sung to a familiar Celtic tune (ST COLUMBA) this would not be difficult. A little formal. Sound sample and lyrics (in the comments under the video).New words to old tunes.
    • G(II)249 / GC319 / GC(II)325 Close as tomorrow the sun shall appear / Walk in the Reign (Rory Cooney). I really like this one. “Close as tomorrow the sun shall appear. Freedom is coming and healing is near. And I shall be with you in laughter and pain to stand in the wind and walk in the reign”. Nice little lyrics twist there! The 4th verse mentions specific locations (Soweto, Gdansk, Tiannemen Square, The Bronx), which you could retain or change, as you feel appropriate. This sound sample gives it a bit of a gospel feel. Sheet music and lyrics.
    • Online Resource / ACS901 / GWA098 Now the heavens start to whisper (Mary Louise Bringle) Excellent words of the whole of creation waiting for the rod of Jesse to spring forth, set to the Welsh tune SUO GÂN. Sound sample, sheet music sample and choral version for purchase. New words to old tunes.
    • AoV1-071 / GA530 / GC(II)742 / G(3)837 / Lau462 Gather Your People (Bob Hurd) Excellent eucharistic theology. Sound sample. Lyric and sheet music sample.
    • Online Resource / Tune In Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and free downloadable songbook. Good for kids.
    • TiS 294 / NCH127 / UMH216 / VU008 / LBW058 / ELW272 / HPP133 / GtG129 / PH048 / GC368 / GC(II)373 / CP117 / W&R190 / Cha160 / 82Hml-081 Lo how a Rose e'er blooming / Behold a rose is growing (German 15th Century) I love this traditional Advent song; it's not so well-known in Australia. Be aware that older versions are far less inclusive. History. Cha126 is a responsive reading and sung response based on the same Advent hymn. Lyrics and sheet music. Here's Sufjan Stevens singing it. And Feist. 
    • Online Resource God be with your weary people (Hannah Brown) Excellent words for Advent; the first verse picks up the weariness of the Israelites, and Christ being the root of Jesse. It can be sung to HYFRYDOL or a newer tune by Sally Ann Morris. Lyrics. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
    • TiS 265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 / ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / G(3)395 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 / W&R154 / Cha119 / 82Hml-056 / Lau112 / StF180 / MP493 O come O come Emmanuel (Psaleroilum Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent carol - so you may want to wait another week before singing it, depending on the traditions of your congregation. Most versions are pretty inclusive. History. Lyrics and sheet music. There are also two alternate versions (one by Sue Wickham and one by John Henson), set to the same tune, but with more modern lyrics and ideas. See the Facebook Group for lyrics. Here's Sufjan again. And Sam Billen. Those last two recordings are maybe a bit too laid back, really... Here's a beautiful arrangement for choir by Kodaly. Oldy-but-a-goody.
    • Online Resource The prophets caught a vision (David Bjorlin) A song about the vision of the prophets, and our call to have prophetic visions too. Set to the old Welsh tune LLANGLOFFAN. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
    • Iona / NCH153 / GtG138 / CH295 / G(II)267 / GC350 / SP22 / StF222 Who would think that what was needed (God's surprise) (Iona community) I love the challenge to our priorities in this song. The lyrics are to the traditional tune SCARLET RIBBONS. Lyrics and sample sheet music. Keyboard sound sample. New words to old tunes.
    • Online Resource / UMH729 / VU682 / LBW161 / WoV762 / ELW711 / GtG373 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 / 82Hml-597 O day of peace that dimly shines (Carl Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER) or O WALY WALY which is used in URW. Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics.  New words to old tunes.
    • Unknown source / Worship in Song 215 Alleluia, the great storm is over (Bob Franke) lift up your wings and fly! I especially love the image of the infant sleeping while the mother sang until the bridegroom returned. The chorus is really catchy and very easy to sing. If not familiar, you can use a cantor or soloist for the verses and invite the congregation to join in the chorus. We tend to sing this more like a gospel anthem. Lyrics. Video with poor image but good sound.
    • Online Resource After the flood (David Bjorlin / Mark Miller) Gosh. A beautiful, meditative and healing song, specifically about recovery from a flood. I would use a soloist for the verses, and invite the congregation to join on the chorus, which is a Kyrie (you might need to play it a little more quickly perhaps). Sheet music and sound sample and purchasing options.   
    • ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (Donald Schmidt) A fun and simple advent song - would be good any week of Advent, but fits particularly well this week.
    • Online resource A child will lead the dawn of grace (Richard Garland) Sung to a standard hymn tune (MARYTON), lovely new words that speak of justice through this child that is coming. New words to old tunes. Free sheet music.
    Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
    • Emergent Psalter For he shall deliver the poor (Isaac Everett, USA) A Psalm refrain. It's not amazing, but I'm having trouble finding good Psalm refrains for this particular Psalm. Sheet music (refrain only).
    • Online Resource / NCH36 / PH219 To God compose a song of joy (Ruth Duck, USA) “The God of Justice comes to save; let earth make melody; For God will judge with righteousness and rule with equity” Beautiful words. I prefer this sung to the tune in NCH – the standard hymn tune RICHMOND (TiS 425). Sound sample, lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.  
    • AoV2-137 / Iona (SBL) / CH262 For the world and all its people (John Bell, Scotland / Manuel Dávila, Nicaragua) This is a beautiful, haunting song set to a melody from Missa Nicaraguaense. It will need to be taught, but once your congregation gets it, I'm sure they'll love it. Particularly good to use during intercessions. Lyrics and sheet music samples of the tune from Missa Nicaraguaense.
    • WCC website / Online Resource Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos (Eleazar Torregloza, Colombia) This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Free sheet music. Sound sample.
    • NCH588 / StJ / WoV763 / ELW717 Let justice flow like streams (Jane Parker Huber, USA Excellent words to the very familiar tune ST THOMAS. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
    • SP&P137 The world is hungry for justice / Sweet Justice (Louis Gilio, USA / Scott Ressman, USA) This song is new to me, and the words are very suitable for this reading. It's a ballad and the verses would be best sung by the musicians at first, with the congregation joining in on the chorus until they get to know it.
    • AoV2-043 / ATFG520 / CoC40 / NCH538 / SFFS 2095 / GC(II)355 / G(3)449 / SP&P174 / W&R223 / ZSS63 Star-Child (Shirley Murray, New Zealand) A lovely lovely carol. Very easy to sing. A big favourite! Lyrics and sample sheet music.
    • Online Resource Be a blessing (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan, USA) A song of encouragement based on this Psalm. This would be a wonderful song to sing at someone's commissioning, or as a benediction song to your congregation. It would be tricky for a congregation at first, so I would get your musicians to present it as a gift to the congregation. Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
    Romans 15:4-13
    Living in harmony; root of Jesse. See also the suggestions for the Isaiah reading above.
    • TiS 650 / ATA 191 / CH694 / A&M604 / NCH539 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 / SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / GtG727 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / G(3)751 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 / W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 / StF611 / Lau924 Brother, sister, let me serve you / Won't you let me be your servant? (Richard Gillard, New Zealand) I think you all know this one. NCH has a nice turn on the lyrics with "Won't you let me be your servant?" as the first line. Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
    • Online Resource / TiS 417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 / HPP237 / GtG293 / PH323 / CP657 / W&R135 / Cha244 / URW203 / StB220 Loving Spirit, Loving Spirit (Shirley Murray, New Zealand)  There are about a zillion tunes set for this. I prefer FELICITY (by Colin Gibson TiS 417), but also like RESTORATION and OMNI DIE. Lyric and sheet music. New words to old tunes (depending which tune you choose).
    • VU619 / WoV738 / ELW612 / SFFS 2213 / GtG795 / G(II)642 / GC882 / GC(II)854 / G(3)960 / RS 958 / CP612 / W&R630 / Cha506 / URW161 / Lau427 Healer of Our Every Ill (Marty Haugen, USA) Good straightforward words of healing and simple tune. "Give us strength to love each other, every sister, every brother". Can get overly mushy. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample.
    • Online Resource / GWA202 God may our church reflect your grace to all who enter here (Ruth Duck, USA) Excellent words of welcome, and aspiration for a faithful congregation. Sung to the familiar tune ELLACOMBE. Lyrics, sheet music sample, purchasing options. Lyric video (embedded in a church service). 
    • AoVK-99 May the hope of God surround us (Schmidt) A simple blessing. 
    • GP1_51 / STB021 / URW299 O many people of all lands (Natividad (Natty) Barranda, Philippines) A good song supporting multicultural harmony at home, at work, and in church. Lyrics (scroll to page 2). 
    • TiS 265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 / ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / G(3)395 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 / W&R154 / Cha119 / 82Hml-056 / Lau112 / StF180 / MP493 O come O come Emmanuel (Psalteriolum Cantionum Catholicarum, Germany / translated John Mason Neale, England) A very well known ancient Advent carol. Most versions are pretty inclusive. History. Lyrics and sheet music. There are also two alternate versions (one by Sue Wickham and one by John Henson), set to the same tune, but with more modern lyrics and ideas. See the Facebook Group for lyrics. Here's Sufjan again. Here's a beautiful arrangement for choir by Kodaly. Oldy-but-a-goody.
    • NCH158 / UMH247 / LBW076 / GtG827 / W&R230 / Cha105 O Morning Star How Fair and Bright! / O Morning Star how clear and bright (Philipp Nicolai, Germany / transl. Catherine Winkworth, England) A traditional German Epiphany chorale, which also works nicely with this reading. Lyrics and sheet music samples. 
    Matthew 3:1-12 
    John the Baptist; Prepare a way; the brood of vipers bit.
    • Online Resource A morning star draws near the earth (Mary Louise Bringle) Excellent words of the promise prophesied by John the Baptist and the joy that is to come. Set to the familiar tune MORNING SONG. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
    • ACS904 / TiS 688 Come to be our hope O Jesus / Tú Jesús, nuestra esperanza (Jaci Marachin) This is a really fun Latin American song from the World Council of Churches Assembly in Canberra. It's not easy the first time, but once you've heard it, it's very catchy. The words are really excellent, despite a slightly clunky translation. It would be worth teaching to your congregation! We sang this a couple of times during Advent. Sound sample with a great guitar line. Here's another quite different version. Good for kids.
    • TiS 263 / CH607 The bright wind is blowing the bright wind of heaven (Cecily Taylor) Excellent words of the changes brought about by a "bright wind" that blows away the chaff of our hating, and fans the flames of love.  Joyful tune. Sound sample.
    • StS008 / SFFS 2089 / GtG163 / PH409 / StF189 Wild and Lone the Prophet's Voice (Carl Daw) Excellent, challenging words. I prefer this sung to ABERYSTWYTH which is well known and easily accessible. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
    • Online Resource / AoVK-50 / ATW 430 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts) Excellent and energetic. Sound sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
    • TiS 647 / AoV2-012 / ATN 25 Comfort, comfort all my people (Robin Mann) Easy to sing, beautiful lyrics. Chorus is “Comfort, comfort all my people, with the comfort of my word. Speak ye tender to my people, all your sins are taken away”. Note that most sources only list 2 verses, but there are two additional (more challenging) verses you may wish to consider using written for the Christmas Bowl in 1988; thanks to Simon for alerting me to them. Lyrics (including additional verses), Lyric video.
    • Online resource Down by the Jordan (Carolyn Winfrey-Gillette). Good inclusive words to the familiar tune LOBE DEN HERREN. Lyrics.
    • TiS 270 / AHB 199 / NCH115 / CH334 / VU20 / LBW548 / ELW842 / A&M046 / GtG096 / PH010 / G(II)260 / GC321 / 322 / GC(II)344 / G(3)418 / CP103 / CP(E) 34 / W&R156 / 82Hml-076 / Lau094 / StF182 / MP538 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry (Charles Coffin) If you would like inclusive lyrics, have a look at the New Century Hymnal’s version. If you’d like a groovy tune, check out AHB 199(ii) / GC322 – ST JOHN BAPTIST by Gary Lewis Miles and Betty Pulkingham. This is an excellent, fun tune. You can even combine the words of NCH115 with AHB199(ii) for the best of both worlds. But WINCHESTER NEW is also very good, and easy to sing if you don’t have a congregation full of people who grew up in the 60s and 70s. Lyrics and sheet music.
    • CH281 / UMH202 / VU9 / WoV626 / LBW626 / ELW248 / HPP83 / GtG105 / PH012 / G(II)337 / GC318 / GC(II)337 / CP091 / CP(E) 35 / W&R161 / Cha142 / SP15 People look East. The time is near (Eleanor Farjeon) Quite nice and joyful Advent song. Note that it is cold-climate Northern Hemisphere specific. Lyrics.
    • Seeds of Faith Prepare the Way For Love (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A good song for kids. I think it would be fun to make up additional verses for this one so it could carry through the whole of Advent. Sound sample and lyrics. BUC people, I have this book. Good for kids.
    • Online resource Prepare the way with quietness (David Bjorlin) Excellent words that pick up on Advent as a time of preparation. Sung to the well known tune LAND OF REST. Lyrics. Song book for purchase. New words to old tunes.
    • Taizé / UMH207 / VU10 / StS014 / GtG095 / GC336 / GC(II)330 / G(3)400 / W&R174 / Cha121 Prepare the way of the Lord (Jacques Berthier) A lovely simple round. Sheet music and clunky sound sample. Good for kids.
    • AHB 329 / VU200 / GC462 / GC(II)475 / G(3)551 / CP638 / 82Hml-501 O Holy Spirit by whose breath (Rabanus Maurus) Quite nice hymn. It varies in translation and inclusivity in all hymnals. I would sing this to DUKE STREET. One version of the lyrics. New words to old tunes.  
    • VU010 Prepare the way of the Lord (Michael Burkhardt) A lovely simple round in 6:8. "Prepare the way of the Lord! X2 Make a straight path for him, make a straight path. Prepare the way of the Lord!" You can split into 6 groups for this one! What fun! Sheet music sample. Sound sample.  Good for kids.
    • Online Resource Prepare the way of the Lord (Tom Council) A nice setting for a choir. Free sheet music.
    • Recorded Music Prepare ye the way of the Lord - Godspell (Stephen Schwarz / John-Michael Tebelak) This is still a great call to worship for this Sunday.  The more up to date Broadway release is a bit better than the original recording, which now sounds a bit dated. Get that gospel choir going if you have the sheet music. Track it down! 1973 film version. Newer Broadway Revival version (listen to the guitars!).
    • Recorded Music Prepare ye the way of the Lord (Michael We Smith) Love the Aussie accent in the readings for the Intro to this. I wish they had used TaikOz for the drumming.... I really like the excitement of the intro, and the song is just a chorus really. Maybe I just like those jangly U2-esque guitars. Youtube.
    • Tune In / Online ResourceDare to Dream (Elaine Loukes) A great song about having a vision for the future, being lead by the light of Bethlehem’s star. "Dare to dream of new beginnings, Paths untried, by faith supplied".  Sound sample, lyrics, free downloadable song book.
    • VU028 / LBW556 / CP111 / 82Hml-070 Herald Sound the note of gladness (Moir Waters) Good words to an adapted old hymn tune (NEW MALDEN). Some versions start with a verse about a note of judgement. Lyric video. New words to old tunes
    • VU199 Creative Spirit come to us (Latin 9th century) Great words to an old tune. I like the "Kaleidoscope of sevenfold light" bit. Sung to VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS. New words to old tunes.

      Do you have some ideas you'd like to add? Please leave a comment below...

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