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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...

7 comments

Big List of Christmas Carols & Songs (updated for 2025)

This is a very long post.... I've just listed a lot of carols here within categories, so you can find the ones you want and the style you want fairly easily. I hate labelling things as "kid's songs" because I find that kids really like the traditional carols if they get a chance to, so I've called one category "Child-focussed".  These might be particularly helpful if you are planning a pageant! I've put the traditional carols at the end of the post in alphabetical order, because you probably know which ones of those you want to sing.

Newer Christmas Songs
  • Online Resource A brilliant star was shining bright (Adan Tice / Sally Ann Morris) Beautiful words of how Christ's birth turns around the power structures of our time. Nice tune which could be sung by a congregation or choir. Sheet music sample, sound sample, lyrics and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource / GWA103 O sad and troubled Bethlehem (Wendy Ross-Barker) These words to the tune FOREST GREEN (O little town of Bethlehem) speaks not only of the sorrow of Bethlehem, but also of the hope that Jesus brings to comfort all who weep and challenge every wrong. GWA suggests starting with the traditional first verse, which I quite like. Lyrics. New words to old tunes. 
  • Online Resource Sing of a star light / Sing of a Promise (Craig Mitchell / Alan Hoare) Beautiful words telling the Christmas Story, from the promise through to the wise men. Lyrics, sheet music sample, sound sample, and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource / GWA101 / HiOS133 There is no child so small / Carol of the least child  (Shirley Murray) A song crying out to consider the children who are overlooked by all but God; this seems particularly appropriate this year. HiOS has two tunes; one by Jillian Bray and one by Colin Gibson (I prefer the latter). Sound sample and lyrics (Colin Gibson tune). Sheet music and lyrics (Lim Swee Hong tune). Sound sample (Jim Strathdee tune). Sound sample (Henry Hinnant - Choral version!).
  • Online Resource Praise God all you Christians! (Nelson Varcoe) This song will need to be taught because all the verses are in Kaurna (the language of the region now known as the Adelaide Plains in South Australia). A good song for South Australians to learn for Christmas and Epiphany. Book available here.
  • Online Resource The birth itself was not too hard / The midwife's carol (Ian Sowton / Becca Whitla) A long story-telling song about the birth of Christ from the view of a midwife who helped with the birth. Could work well for a Christmas Pageant, or for a reflection that picks up this theme.  Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music for download.  up your congregation. Particularly good for Christmas Eve or a Christmas night service. Challenging words. Nice lilting tune by Jillian Bray. Lyrics with sound and sheet music sample (to another quite nice lilting tune by Ron Klusmeier).
  • ACS910 / StS025 / LBW074 / GtG160 / G(II)269 / GC356 / CP(E) 42 / W&R206 / Cha141 / 82Hml-104 A Stable Lamp Is Lighted (Richard Wilbur) Starting From the stable, ending on the cross. This has a nice celticish tune, which is simple to sing, and a refrain of "and every stone shall cry". I like it. Lyrics and links to youtube videos of two possible tunes.  Sound sample from Ana Hernández; this version is probably better for a soloist. It's lovely.
  • CoC04 All who would see God's greatness (Marnie Barrell) I prefer tune (ii) by Colin Gibson. These words are lovely and gentle, but still challenging. I like the call to "draw near". Lyrics 
  • SP&P110 With one voice the angels sing / Love has come (Matt Maher) This is a very joyful new Christmas eve, or Christmas day song. I really think a choral arrangement of this would work. SP&P has more inclusive lyrics than the original, so seek that out. It also skips the bridge part, that doesn't work so well in my opinion. Nice choral version.
  • God Comes Tomorrow (Iona) Give us this year (Iona) Beautiful words seeking a more mature response to Christmas, sung to an old hymn tune (NEUMARK). The tune is not familiar to me, but is not difficult to sing, and if you have a choir, sounds particularly lovely. New words to old tunes.  Lyrics.  
  • Online Resource / AA012 / CoC08 / STB141 Child of Christmas story (Shirley Murray) A lovely Christmas song; very focussed on the Christ child. Simple tune by Richard Madden. Lyrics and sheet music. There is also a lovely, more flowing, tune from Douglas Simper if you have his book "Singing the Journey".
  • StF211 Night of peace: hail the holy child (Daniel Damon) A simple and quite beautiful new carol. This would not be too hard to sing. It's pretty lovely, and particularly good for an evening service. Sound sample (tune only).
  • Online Resource / AA014 / CoC09 / STB144 / StF194 Child of joy and peace (Shirley Murray) Good words for Christmas and Epiphany, but in some ways feels a little old fashioned, perhaps. It recognises the poverty of Christ and contrasts it with the greed of commercialised Christmas - without being too heavy handed. I like the Ian Render tune (JENNIFER'S GIFT) best, even though it's a little tricky. Lyrics and sheet music (with tune by Douglas Mews).
  • VU40 / WoV636 / GtG125 Before the marvel of this night (Jaroslav Vajda) Excellent, otherworldly words, and a beautiful tune. "Sing bliss, sing bliss, sing endless bliss!". Clunky sound sample.
  • CoC15 Come now where we least expect you (Marnie Barrell) Challenging words and a tune that could be pretty groovy. "Christ is found far beyond our sacred ground". Indeed! Lyrics.
  • Online resource / MV047 Born in human likeness (Bruce Harding) A simple Christmas round. Good for kids. Sheet music and sound sample.
  • Online Resource / MV158 / FFS12 Dream a dream (Shirley Murray) Broad words of hope for the future of creation and the world's people. I think the first tune in Faith Forever Singing (by Nigel Eastgate) is the most intuitive and interesting, but there is also now a new tune by Lim Swee Hong which I also like! GIA music also have a tune by Lori True which fits together with Dona Nobis Pacem which could be really lovely if you have a choir, especially a children's choir. Lyrics and the Lim Swee Hong tune. Lori True version can be purchased online from GIA.
  • Online Resource From the void sprang all creation (David Bjorlin) Words linking the birth of the cosmos to the birth of Christ and all human birth. Set to the familiar tune AR HYD Y NOS. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes. 
  • Iona (M&G) / CH359 / MV033 / GtG137 / ZSS54 / StJ / ELW253 / GA293 / SFFS 2085 / G(II)276 / GC370 / GC(II)364 / G(3)429 / CP368 / W&R402 He came down that we may have love/ Jesus came bringing us hope (Traditional Cameroon) A lovely simple song - you can make up words and have a lot of fun with this if you also use some drums. Lyrics. Sound sample. Good for kids.
  • Cha158 Her baby newly breathing (Brian Wren) Realistic words of Mary's motherhood of a real life type of infant, to the familiar tune MERLE'S TUNE. The final verse sings of creating Wisdom "constricted into maleness, and of a woman born". Lyrics (set to a different tune). New words to old tunes.  
  • CoC28 I didn't hear the angels sing (Iris McCoy) Lovely statement of faith despite not having witnessed the Christmas events. Simple tune.
  • StS028 / WoV638 / G(II)275 / GC369 / GC(II)354 / G(3)443 / W&R199 Holy Child within the Manger / Carol at the Manger (Marty Haugen) Lovely words and a simple gentle tune. lyrics.
  • CH329 / AA108 / CoC33 O little Love who comes again (Shirley Murray) A lovely gentle and thoughtful Christmas song. There are two possible tunes. I slightly prefer the one by Jillian Bray, but both are good. Lyric and sheet music with a different and slightly tricky tune by Vivien Chu. Sound sample (Nigel Eastgate tune).
  • Online Resource Like a Child (Daniel Damon) A simple song about all that we can learn from children, and the Christ child. Lyrics and sheet music. Lyric video.
  • MV149 / CoC35 Peace for our children (Doreen Lankshear-Smith) A simple and quite repetitive (in a nice way) song that prays for peace for children, women, men, families, nations… and the soul. Lyrics (scroll down).  
  • ELW292 / GtG110 Love Has Come (Ken Bible) Christmas A lovely song of love being born. A good song for kids to a simple French carol tune. Lyrics Good for kids. New words to old tunes.
  • AoV2-043 / ATFG520 / CoC40 / NCH538 / SFFS 2095 / GC(II)355 / G(3)449 / SP&P174 / W&R223 / ZSS63 / VF035 Star-Child (Shirley Murray) A lovely lovely carol. Very easy to sing. A big favourite! Lyrics and sample sheet music.
  • Online Resource / TiS 287 / ACS906 /  CH287 / GtG101 / StS011 / GC(II)768 / G(3)876 No wind at the window (John Bell) Wonderful words to the familiar Celtic tune COLUMCILLE that focus on Mary's decision to say "Yes" to God. Very easy to sing. Works well for Advent and Christmas. Sheet music sample (with lyrics) and purchasing options. Sound sample. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource / ACS915 / VU97 / GC(II)376 / G(3)450 When a star is shining / Where the Promise Shines (Sylvia Dunstan) This new carol would also be good for Epiphany. Sheet music sample including string quartet if desired, sound sample, and purchasing options.
  • TiS 288 / Iona Not the powerful not the privileged (John Bell) Lyrics (scroll down)
  • Online Resource / AA154 / CoC48 Where is the room? (Shirley Murray) More beautiful words of hope and peace and hospitality. Simple tune to sing. Lyrics and sheet music samples.
  • Songs from the Still Strange Land / Songs for the People of God Book 4 / Singing the Journey (Douglas Simper) The stillness of anticipation / Turning point of time (Neil Quintrell / Doug Simper) I really love this Australian carol. It's not easy for a congregation, so will need to be taught. Sound sample.
  • Online Resource / AA159 / CoC50 Who is the child that is to be born? (Shirley Murray) Lovely lilting melody and beautiful words. Sheet music and lyrics.
  • G(II)268 / GC355 The Tiny Child to Bethlehem Came (Marty Haugen) Good words of hope for peace sung to a sort of Celtic tune, which is not too hard. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample .
  • Online Resource Christmas come close (Shirley Murray) Lovely words of anticipation. This would work well for a Christmas Eve service, pageant or perhaps on the last Sunday of Advent. Words and sheet music. New tune by David MacGregor also available. Both tunes are good.
  • Online Resource Come see the small one / Christ's Lullaby (Mary Louise Bringle / Sally Ann Morris) A gentle song with beautiful imagery of all of creation joining in wonder at the Christ child. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • Online Resource Among the displaced in a backwater town (David Bjorlin) A wonderful new song, set to the traditional Irish folk tune "Arthur McBride". This song reflects on the different roles of the poor and the wealthy in the story, and our roles today. Not so simple for a congregation, unless you all like folk music and are familiar with the tune. Sample sheet music. Sound sample. 
  • Online Resource Sing now a song of a child who was born / The Question Carol (Mary Louise Bringle / Sally Ann Morris) Lovely wondering words set to the familiar tune SKYE BOAT SONG. While this arrangment is for a choir, it could be sung with a soloist and the congregation joining on the chorus. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
  • AA141 / CoC44 The wind blew keen (Colin Gibson) A beautiful carol, with simple straightforward Celtic type tune. I hope this becomes popular, because it's really lovely. Lyrics.
  • Online Resource A new song sounded in the night (Hannah Brown) This new carol to an older tune (THE LINDEN TREE CAROL) has all the elements of a classic Christmas carol. It's lovely. PDF for purchase, with lyrics and sheet music sample. New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / GWA102 A weary couple (Adam Tice) These words to the familiar tune LONDONDERRY AIR explore the journey of Mary and Joseph, and Joseph's role with Jesus born as a refugee. Could be used as a choral item (arranged by Tony Alonso), or a congregational song. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. Choral version for purchase with a really lovely sound sample. New words to old tunes.
  • Unusual source When our God came to earth (Tim Spencer and Steve Vent) These words are to the same tune as “Long ago, prophets new” (THEODORIC). "Let the poor rejoice! Let the mute give voice! Love is shown, God is known, Christ is born of Mary". Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes.
  • ACS909 / GtG120 Where shepherds lately knelt (Jaroslav Vajda) Excellent and quite personal reflective words recognising faith in the midst of doubt. The tune is lovely, but will need to be taught, or sung by your musicians.  Lyrics and a youtube video.
  • Online Resource Child of spirit Child of light (Shirley Murray / Lim Swee Hong) Good words about the child born into poverty, challenging us to continue to "unwrap" Christmas. The tune is not difficult, but please note that it needs to be sung slowly, as indicated by the tempo suggestion. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • Singing the Journey Of human kin of woman born / But a star sings Hallelujah (Donald Bell / Douglas Simper) Excellent words about the vulnerability of Jesus and the threat of Herod "But a star sings Hallelujah and we dare to breathe Amen, for the pity and power of heaven are hid in Bethlehem". I don't think this book is available anymore, but we have a copy at church. 
  • Iona / NCH153 / GtG138 / CH295 / G(II)267 / GC350 / SP022 / StF222 Who would think that what was needed (God's surprise) (John Bell) 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.
  • Iona / TiS 325 / G(II)277 / GC(II)381 Who is the baby an hour or two old / AYE CAROL (John Bell) Very simple flowing tune and good challenging words “Will you come with me, e’vn though I feel shy?” seems perfect for those who rarely step into a church. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Slow sound sample. Your congregation will expire if you try to sing it this slowly, even though it sounds very pretty with a soloist....
  • Online Resource I have a song to sing (Rob Ferguson) New words to the folk tune "10 guitars". This is so joyful and encourages some dancing, perhaps in a circle, or in lines, depending on your congregation. Lyrics and sheet music. Tune sample and chords (and original lyrics).
  • Online Resource Within a stall a baby lies cradled (David Wood) Inspiring words for Christmas Eve full of hope for a better world. Free sheet music.
  • NCH150 / Iona / StS027 Sing a different song now Christmas is here (Iona Community) A joyful song about how Christmas changes how we think of Go. Lyrics.  
  • Singing the Journey (Douglas Simper) The dance of Christmas (Helen Wiltshire / Douglas Simper) A joyful song with starry nights, humming bees, summer sky, flying seagulls and a hot desert, and a baby; simple lilting melody. This book is not available any more, but we have a copy at church.
Newer songs: Winter Christmas
  • Online resource A babe was born a little one / Winter's child (Daniel Damon) A gentle storytelling song with the repeated line "in the dark'ning time of the year. Very simple to sing. Lyric video. Sheet music.
  • VU049 / CP129 No crowded eastern street (Frieda Major) This song is a good Christmas hymn for those who live in the plains or prairies in the Northern Hemisphere. Lovely words, and a simple tune. Youtube version of a tune that is not in either book - includes lyrics.
  • A&M185 / GC(II)362 / G(3)434 / SP69 Dark is the night / Sing Alleluia (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. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Mushy sound sample. Available for purchase online.
  • VU078 Sing till sundown hum your joy (Eileen Spinelli) A song for snowy places. This is a quite delightful song of hope "Now we're dancing through the snow"! Lyrics. Lyric video (piano only).
  • Online resource Enchanted by candles (Adam Tice / Sally Ann Morris) This song is unashamedly sentimental, while still being powerfully meaningful. Beautiful tune. It almost makes me wish I lived in the Northern Hemisphere so I could sing it at Christmas Time. Sound and sheet music sample and purchasing options.
  • G(II)274 / GC365 / GC(II)360 / G(3)432 Silent in the Chill of Midnight (Francis Patrick O'Brien) Quite nice Christmas lullaby. Northern Hemisphere specific. Lyrics.
Newer songs: Summer Christmas
  • Online Resource / AA028 / CoC16 / STB145 Come to this Christmas singing (Shirley Murray) Joyous sheep-farming, beach-loving Christmas song. New Zealand specific because of the word "aroha", unless it fits your congregation. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • TiS 322 / AHB 246 The north wind is tossing the leaves (John Wheeler) Dusty Australian carol. Sound sample (with two new verses!).
  • Online Resource Christmas in Australia (Heather Price) Good fun song about Australian Christmas traditions, including beaches, picnics and caring for the poor. Sheet music and recording. 
  • CoC52 You are born in us again (Mark Wilson) A lovely gentle song. Simple to sing. I would swing it just a little. "Like the warmth of the summer wind you come"… Lyrics (in an order of service).
  • Unknown Source The Silver Stars are in the Sky (John Wheeler) This is a lovely gentle nativity song with Australian birds and dust and animals. Youtube. Lyrics.
  • Online ResourceWe sing our Christmas carols amist the Summer heat (George Stewart) You may like to sing a few of these verses (probably don't need all of them, set to the familiar tune AURELIA. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
Glorias
  • All Glorias are listed on a separate page here!
  • TiS 731 /  SFFS 2017 / GtG155 / G(II)377 / GC557 / GC(II)535 / G(3)618 / W&R212 / PfAS100G / URW383 / Lau691 Raise a song of gladness / Jubilate Servite (Taizé) Glorious, fun round. If your congregation balks at singing in Latin, it can be sung in English as "Raise a song of gladness, all the earth, Christ has come, bringing peace, joy to every heart, Alleluia Alleluia, Joy to every heart (x2)". This is not a Gloria, but it has the feel of one! Sound sample.
Folk / World Songs
  • Online Resource / 82Hml-099 / Cha167 / ELW290 / GtG136 / GC359 / GC(II)363 / G(3)428 / HPP110 / LBW070 / / Lau164 / MP179 / NCH154 / PH029 / UMH251 / VU43 / W&R218 / ZSS5 Go tell it on the mountain (African American) Very simple and lots of fun; note that there are multiple versions of the tune, the words, and styles of singing this song. Here are two classic examples: Mahalia Jackson (more like the oral tradition, a slow Christmas spiritual). Peter, Paul and Mary (who changed it to make it an energetic Exodus-based Freedom song, not about Christmas). There are lots of versions of the lyrics. Sheet music. Good for kids.
  • NCH136 / StS019 / GtG126 / ELW297 W&R219 Jesus Jesus O what a wonderful child (African-American) Not easy for a congregation if it's not familiar. Sound sample.
  • CH310 / CP(E) 68 / W&R227 / StF216 See him lying on a bed of straw (Michael Perry) This song (Calypso Carol) is cool, especially if you get some crazy bass singing action happening. I have a 3 part a capella arrangement that I did of this a very long time ago which uses that approach. Sound sample. Good for kids.
  • NCH149 As shepherds filled with joy / Pastores a Belén (Traditional Puerto Rican) Fun and joyful. A shepherd song. "Vamos, vamos, vamos a ver!" (Hurry, hurry, hurry and see!). Sound sample. Good for kids.
  • NCH155 The magi who to Behlehem did go / Los magos que llegaron a Belén (Manuel Fernandez Juncas) Traditional Puerto Rican carol. This is so much fun to sing. A great alternative for Epiphany. Sound sample.
  • NCH147 There were shepherds keeping their watch / See the little baby (Donald Swift) A fun gospel-style song; would also be good for a choir.
  • STB134 Sun has gone night has arrived / Bheri goth chharda ni chharda (Locknath Manaen) A pretty Christmas song from the Shepherds' point of view from Nepal. This would be best sung by a soloist at first. Sound sample. 
  • STB136 Tonight We See The Light Of The World / Ai domma tubuh saborngin on (A.K. Saragih) A humble carol from Indonesia in English and Bahasa. "Behold! Born in straw-covered manger, the whole world's baby Lord". Sheet music sample.
  • STB137 In The Fields Of Efrata / Di ladang Efrata para gembala (Waldemar Simamora) A good carol from the perspective of the Shepherds. In English and Bahasa. The tune will need to be taught, but it's really pretty. Sheet music sample.
  • STB140 Holy night blessed night (Zhu / Wu / Shi) I like the words of this. The melody is not easy for a Western congregation. Perhaps a soloist could sing it. Verses in Mandarin or English. Choral version sheet music and sound sample.
  • NCH137 / VU52 / PH052 Sheep fast asleep / Hitsuji Wa Nemure Ri (Genzō Miwa, Japan) Very peaceful. Lyrics (English only).
  • ATAR631 / NCH161 / SFFS 2072 / PH299 / W&R249 / ZSS207-d Amen Amen / See the little baby (African-American) This is not so well known in Australia, where it may be better sung by a choir, or as a call and response; the response will need to be taught.  Lyrics (one version, anyway). Good for kids.
  • TiS 307 / AHB 232 / CH300 / VU73 / SFFS 2098 / G(II)264 / GC345 / GC(II)378 / G(3)454 / CP128 The Virgin Mary had a baby boy (Trinidad traditional, collected by Edric Connor) This fun carol from Trinidad is very uplifting! History and recordings. Lyrics. Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • VU70 / WoV645 / SFFS 2096 / HPP105 / PH050 / GtG135 / G(II)271 / GC360 / GC(II)375 / G(3)453 / W&R209 There's a star in the east on Christmas morn (African American traditional) I like this one. Calling people while celebrating Christmas. Lyrics.
  • NCH151 / Iona (SBL) / UMH244 / VU071 / LBW072 / ELW284 / HPP119 / PH061 / GtG142 / G(II)272 / GC361 / CP146 / W&R213 / Cha166 / 82Hml-114 Twas in the moon of wintertime (Jean de Brebeuf) I love this one, and it does a good job of making the Christmas story Native American. Lyrics and story.
  • ACS912 Night long awaited / Noche anunciada (Felix Luna / Ariel Ramirez) A beautiful calm song. Sound sample.   
  • ACS914 Hark the herald angels sing / Walk in the light (Charles Wesley / George Elderkin) The original words, set to a different tune, and with a gospel chorus. Fun! Choral sound sample.
Child-focussed
  • Online Resource / FFS46 Lullaby sing lullaby (Shirley Murray / Peter Godfrey) This could work in a Christmas Pageant, or be used as a family lullaby during the Christmas season. Lyrics and sheet music.
  • Online Resource Are you ready? (Heather Price / Davies) This is a fun song for kids, which could be sung with actions. With a chorus of "Are you ready? Christmas is here! Shake your hands and feet, dancing to the beat. Wiggle your toes and reach for the stars, open wide your heart 'cos now it's time to start, etc". Would be a great start to a Christmas pageant, as it mentions each of the characters and their role in the story. Good for kids. Sheet music and recording.  Here's a video for the actions (Thanks Judy)!
  • Online Resource Gifts from the Stable (Heather Price / Davies) This would be a lot of fun for smaller kids, or for a Christmas Pageant if you want to focus on the animals that may have been present at the birth of Christ. Good for kids. Sheet music and recording.
  • StF203 I had a dream that I was standing on a hillside / Love shone down (Andy Piercy) This might be fun for shepherds to sing, with the congregation joining the chorus, in a Christmas Pageant. Video.
  • CH302 / StF206 It was on a starry night when the hills were bright (Joy Webb) This could work well in a Christmas Pageant. Video.
  • Online Resource Christmas Letter (Heather Price / Davies) A quiet song, not a congregational song, but a nice solo bringing us reminders of the reason behind all the Christmas hustle and bustle. This could be sung by an adult, for the children, or taught to a children's choir. Based on the letters of C-h-r-i-s-t-m-a-s; ah, so you could use cut-outs of each letter if you want to do something fun! Sheet music and recording. 
  • AoVK-60 / AA004 / CoC05 And did you see him little star? (Helen Clyde) Good words. Simple to sing and great for children. I like the idea of the star being the observer and the guide. Lyrics (in a PDF).  Good for kids.
  • AoV2-168 / ATA 134 / GGives2 At Christmas time the birds all sing / Christmas in the scrub (Leigh Newton) Silly and fun Christmas song for Australian kids. Lyrics and chords. Lyric video. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / NCH141 / AA009 / CoC07 Carol our Christmas (Shirley Murray) A fun Southern Hemisphere Christmas song. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Good for kids.
  • ATAR683 Sleep, little baby (Robin Mann) Christmas A good song about the Christ-child. Great for a Christmas Pageant. I like the final phrase "You are the end of fear". Lyrics. Good for kids.
  • Online resource Celebrate Emmanuel (David MacGregor) This is a simple song, which you could use with the verses, or just sing the chorus. Sheet music. Good for kids.
  • Online resource Christmas time - we celebrate! (David MacGregor) A good song for kids. I don't think the sound sample shows how cool this song could be... use some imagination and have fun with it! Sheet music.  Good for kids.
  • CoC12 Clippety-clop clippety clop (Jackie Wise) A fun kids' song about the donkey ride and the lack of room in the inn. Good for a pageant!   Good for kids.
  • ATAR594 Donkey donkey (Leigh Newton) A fun song - we have used this for our Christmas Pageant. It's catchy! Lyrics and chords. Good for kids.
  • CoC17 Don't tell anyone (SHHH! Not anyone) (Colin Gibson) This song would be just perfect for a leader + kids to sing at the start of a Christmas Pageant. Good for kids.
  • CoC19 Get up get up no time to yawn (Colin Gibson) A very fun song for Christmas morning. I think it would be pretty straightforward to sing, but given the number of visitors on Christmas day, it might be good to get a group to sing it. "Come friend, come stranger, here's no danger, follow shepherds and kings to the manger where Christ, the Christ is born". Lyrics and sheet music. Good for kids.
  • ATOK 338 In a dusty old place called Bethlehem / God in human shoes (Matthew Thiele) Good for kids.
  • NCH138 / UMH227 / VU056 / HPP98 Jesus our brother strong and good / kind and good (French carol) Good for kids especially. Lyrics. Good for kids.
  • AoV2-043 / ATFG520 / CoC40 / NCH538 / SFFS 2095 / GC(II)355 / G(3)449 / SP&P174 / W&R223 / ZSS63 Star-Child (Shirley Murray) A lovely lovely carol. Very easy to sing. A big favourite! Lyrics and sample sheet music.
  • CoC42 The jersey cow came mooing (Colin Gibson) Fun song for little kids with lots of animal sounds at the stable. Good for a pageant, too. Good for kids.
  • CoC46 Two tired people asked for rest (Joye Taylor) Good song for a Christmas Eve pageant. I suggest getting the congregation to just join in on the chorus "No room, no room, you can't stay here, we can't take any more, but in the stable you can make a bed upon the straw." Good for kids.
  • CoC47 When Joseph and Mary (Colin Gibson) Another good song for kids and adults too. The words are strong enough to shake adults up a bit, but fun enough for kids to enjoy as well. Good for kids.
  • TiS 325 / G(II)277 / GC371 / GC(II)381 / G(3)456 / Lau153 Who is the baby an hour or two old? / The Aye Carol (John Bell) Catchy - will need to be taught the first time. Sound sample. Good for kids.
Choral works
  • Online resource Bethlehem Night (Terry Taylor) A lovely song for a children's choir; would be great at the end of a pageant. Sound sample and sheet music. Good for kids.
  • Online Resource / MV158 / FFS12 Dream a dream (Shirley Murray) Broad words of hope for the future of creation and the world's people. I think the first tune in Faith Forever Singing (by Nigel Eastgate) is the most intuitive and interesting, but there is also now a new tune by Lim Swee Hong which I also like! GIA music also have a tune by Lori True which fits together with Dona Nobis Pacem which could be really lovely if you have a choir, especially a children's choir. Lyrics and the Lim Swee Hong tune. Lori True version can be purchased online from GIA.
  • Online resource Nature holds its breath (Mary Louise Bringle / William Rowan) A beautiful song of all creation joining in the wonder of the birth of the Christ child. Would not be too difficult. Sound and sheet music samples, and purchasing options.
Traditional Anglo-European Carols (Alphabetical)
  • VU068 / CP151 All poor ones and humble (Katherine Roberts) Lyrics.
  • TiS 309 / AHB 235 / NCH126 / CH324 / UMH220 / VU036 / LBW050 / ELW275 / GtG143 / CP143 / G(3)438 / CP(E) 44 / W&R189 / Cha149 / Srce2-29 / 82Hml-093 / Lau131 / StF190 / MP035 Angels From the realms of glory (James Montgomery) Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • AoVK-64 / HPP121 / PH023 / GC347 / GC(II)361 Angels sing their praises ring (Newton)  
  • AoV2-140 / NCH125 / UMH238 / VU038 / LBW071 / ELW289 / GA286 / HPP125 / PH022 / GtG113 / GC358 / GC(II)369 / G(3)430 / W&R188 / Cha155 / 82Hml-096 / Lau130 Angels we have heard on high (French traditional) Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 318 / AHB 242 / NCH124 / CH312 / UMH217 / VU069 / WoV644 / LBW067 / ELW278 / GA289 / HPP132 / PH025 / GtG114 / GC353 / GC(II)365 / G(3)448 / CP126 / CP(E) 45 / W&R203 / W&R205 / Cha147 / Srce51 / 82Hml-101 / Lau137 / StF191 / MP047 Away in a Manger (Unknown) I'm not wild about this carol. A non-crying baby. Doesn't sound fully human to me. Oldy-but-a-goody. You may also like to explore Online Resource Away in a manger (Adam Tice) A great new set of words for this beloved carol. So realistic and theologically beautiful. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. Another very excellent option to bring this beautiful tune to a new understanding of the birth of Christ as a child in povery are these words by Jennie Gordon.  New words to old tunes.
  • Online Resource / TiS 323 / AoV2-101 /ATA 141 / NCH152 / VU095 / PH030 / GtG158 / CP130 / W&R194 / StF193 / MP062 Born in the night Mary's child (Geoffrey Ainger) Sheet music and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 319 / AHB 241 / CH314 / Lau141 / MP071 Child in the manger infant of Mary (Mary Macdonald, translated by Lachlan Macbean) Words of the outcast, infant Christ who becomes the victorious Redeemer. Sung to the well known tune BUNESSAN. CH has the original Gaelic text. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 306 / AHB 231 / CP(E)48 / Srce2-73 / 82Hml-106 / StF195 / MP080 Christians awake salute the happy morn (John Byrom) Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 321 / AHB 245 Coldly the night winds winging (Morris Martin) I think this is one of the most beautiful carols in existence. 
  • AHB 233 / HPP140 / GC366 / GC(II)366 / 82Hml-105 God rest you merry gentlemen / people all (Unknown) Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 313 / AHB 238 / NCH129 / CH322 / UMH224 / VU035 / LBW055 / ELW288 / HPP97 / PH028 / GtG132 / GC(II)367 / G(3)435 / CP153 / W&R198 / Cha164 / 82Hml-107 / Lau139 / MP196 Good Christian friends / Good Christians all rejoice (Latin) Some versions have that odd bar "News! News!" in the middle. I wonder where that came from? Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 303 / AHB 227 / AoV1-171 / NCH144 / CH301 / UMH240 / VU048 / LBW060 / ELW270 / GA294 / HPP123 / PH031 / GtG119 / GC348 / GC(II)356 / G(3)424  / CP138 / CP(E) 53 / W&R185 / Cha150 / ZSS62 / Srce202 / 82Hml-087 / Lau155 / StF202 / MP211 Hark the herald angels sing (CharlesWesley)  One of those carols that we sing pretty much every year at Brunswick. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • PH034 / CP580 In Bethlehem a Babe Was Born (Barbara Mays) Joyful, and good words.
  • VU077 / PH035 / 82Hml-246 In Bethlehem a Newborn Boy (Rosamond Herklots) Great words acknowledging the danger Christ was born into, the danger that still exists today, and Christ's redemptive power over it.
  • NCH128 / CH305 / UMH221 / VU055 / ELW294 / HPP115 / PH036 / GtG144 / CP122 / CP(E) 55 / W&R196 / Srce2-275 / 82Hml-112 / Lau144 / StF204 / MP337 In the bleak midwinter (Christina Rossetti) Beautiful. Very Northern-hemispherific though. Lyrics .
  • TiS 327 In the fields near Bethlehem (Wesley Milgate / Siu-Yun Sen)
  • TiS 292 / AHB 225 / UMH229 / VU58 / LBW044 / ELW276 / HPP130 / PH037 / GtG128 / GC354 / GC(II)377 / G(3)445 / CP125 / W&R221 / Cha163 / Lau138 / MP342 Infant holy Infant lowly (Polish carol) One of my favourites! Lyrics and sound sample. You may also like to listen to these new lyrics on the album Advent Songs from The Porter's Gate. Here are the lyrics.
  • NCH131 / CH303 / UMH218 / VU44 / LBW054 / ELW282 / HPP128 / PH038 / GtG123 / GC367 / GC(II)379 / G(3)433 / CP140/1 CP(E) 56 / W&R191 / Cha153 / Srce2-289 / 82Hml-089 / Lau135 / StF205 / MP345 It came upon the midnight clear (Edmund Sears)
  • TiS 268 / AHB 224 / AoV1-170 / NCH132 / CH320 / UMH246 / VU59 / LBW039 / ELW267 / GA295 / HPP107 / PH040 / GtG134 / GC343 / GC(II)353 / G(3)437 / CP154 / CP(E) 57 / W&R179 / Cha143 / Srce399 / 82Hml-100/ Lau156 / MP393 Joy to the world The Lord is come (Isaac Watts) A classic. Amelia Koh-Butler has written some fun Australian lyrics to this. See them here in the Facebook Group.  Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 317 / AHB 243 / NCH165 / CH316 / UMH242 / HPP95 / CP131 / CP(E) 59 / W&R210 / 82Hml-084 / StF210 Love came down at Christmas (Christina Rossetti) Needs one small change in AHB to make it gender inclusive for people. NCH does this by replacing "all men" with "neighbour" in the last verse. I prefer the tune in TiS / AHB. Lyrics and odd-looking angels. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 304 / AHB 228 / AoV1-167 / NCH135 / CH306 / UMH234 / VU060 / LBW045 / ELW722 / GA287 / HPP100 / PH041 / GtG133 / GC341 / GC(II)357 / G(3)439 / CP118 / / CP(E) 61/62 / W&R182 / Cha148 / Srce502 / 82Hml-083 / Lau159 / StF212 / MP490 O come all ye faithful (John Francis Wade) Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 316 / AHB 240 / NCH133 / CH304 / UMH230 / VU064 / LBW041 / ELW563 / GA296 / HPP112 / PH043 / GtG121 / GC363 / GC(II)359 / G(3)446 / CP120 / CP(E) 63 / W&R180 / Cha144 / Srce518 / 82Hml-078 / Lau127 / StF213 / MP503 O little town of Bethlehem (Phillips Brooks) A great traditional favourite. Lyrics and "the American tune". I prefer it to "the English tune" FOREST GREEN. If you're after a new way of singing it, David MacGregor has written a new folksy tune (here's a backing track). Might be nice to do. Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 300 / NCH143 / CH294 / R112 / ELW274 / GtG112 / HPP118 / W&R222 / Lau134 / MP537 On Christmas night all Christians sing (Traditional English) Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 312 / AHB 237 / NCH145 / CH315 / UMH250 / VU062 / WoV643 / LBW261 / ELW550 GA297 / HPP137 / PH049 / GtG140 / GC372 / GC(II)380 / G(3)455 / CP123 / CP(E) 66 / W&R183 / Cha165 / Srce530 / 82Hml-102 / Lau148 / StF214 / MP539 Once in royal David's city (Cecil Frances Alexander) Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 311 / AHB 236 / AoV1-168 / NCH134 / CH309 / UMH239 / VU067 / LBW065 / ELW821 GA290 / HPP135/ 136 / PH060 / GtG122 / G(II)262 / GC352 / GC(II)371 / G(3)441 / CP119 / CP(E) 69 / W&R186 / Cha145 / Srce610 / 82Hml-111 / Lau136 / StF217 / MP597 Silent night Holy night! (Franz Gruber) A delightful classic carol.  Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • VU047 / HPP124 / PH047 / GtG124 / W&R214 Still Still Still (Austrian) Lovely mushy baby Jesus song.
  • TiS 301 / AHB 221 / AoV1-169 / NCH139 / CH323 / UMH245 / VU90 / 91 LBW056 / ELW300 GA298 HPP108 / PH056 / GtG147 / GC377 / GC(II)388 / G(3)460 / CP139 / W&R229 / Cha151 / Srce2-550 / 82Hml-109 / Lau150 / MP644  The first Nowell the angel did say (English carol) Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 293 / AHB 218 / CH331 / VU054 / CP(E) 73 / 82Hml-098 / StF218 Unto us a boy is born (German carol) Oldy-but-a-goody.>
  • AoV1-165 / NCH148 / UMH219 / VU074 / LBW040 / ELW296 / HPP138 / PH053 / GtG145 / GC380 / GC(II)387 / G(3)466 / CP137 / CP(E) 74 / W&R184 / Cha162 / 82Hml-115 / Lau145 / MP749 What child is this? (William Dix) A lovely familiar carol. You may like to consider adding a verse recently written by David MacGregor, starting with the words "What love is this who feels our pain, our sorrow and our weeping". See here.  Oldy-but-a-goody.
  • TiS 299 / ACS913 / AHB 223 / AoV1-172 / CH296 / UMH236 / VU075 / GA288 / HPP114 / PH058 / GtG117 / CP136 / CP(E) 76 / W&R228 / Cha154 / Srce2-662 / 82Hml-094 / Lau133 / StF221 / MP764 While shepherds watched their flocks by night (Nahum Tate) I really like the CH translation.Oldy-but-a-goody.
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