See also General Advent Suggestions!
Isaiah 7:10-16
God's sign to Ahaz; a young woman will have a son and call him Immanuel
NCH107 / LBW633 / ELW242 / GC346 / GC(II)351 / RS494 / W&R160 / Cha138 Awake Awake and greet the new morn (Haugen) Joyful song. Maybe best suited to the Northern Hemisphere? Lyrics, sound sample.
ATFG 514 Emmanuel Carol / God of light we are waiting for you This is a lovely simple song.
TiS 283 / HPP87 / CP(E) 58 / W&R167 / Srce2-382 Long ago prophets knew (Pratt Green / THEODORIC) I’m never sure if I like this one, but lots of other people do and it fits the reading this week well. Lyrics and midi sample here.
TiS 265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 / ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 / W&R154 / Cha119 / 82Hml-056 O come O come Emmanuel (Psaleroilum Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent carol. Most versions are pretty inclusive. Lyrics and sound sample.
TiS 279 / AHB 212 / SFFS 2091 / HPP158 / GC487 / GC(II)494 / CP632 / W&R159 The King of glory comes the nation rejoices (Jabusch) Fun and energetic song to a traditional Israeli folk melody. A good processional. Lyrics and sign language (bottom of the page).
NCH131 / CH303 / UMH218 / VU44 / LBW054 / ELW282 / HPP128 / PH038 / GC367 / GC(II)379 / CP140/1 / CP(E)56 / W&R191 / Cha153 / Srce2-289 It came upon the midnight clear (Sears) One of those few carols that can also fit for Advent. If you are in doubt, read this interesting article about it. Lyrics (scroll down) vary widely across the hymnals, but some are quite inclusive, like NCH, VU, CH, PH.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
Restore us, let your face shine that we may be saved.
TiS 42 / GA047 Lord make us turn to you (Boschetti). A simple refrain and mostly inclusive cantor part (just change “man” to “one” in verse 3). We have sung this at Brunswick and it went very well. Don't forget that you can use these refrains with a reader if you don't have someone confident enough to cantor.
AoVK-29 Remember we are your people (Barr) Simple three part chant "Remember we are your people, your people O God". This would work really well as a sung refrain during the prayer of confession.
Tune In: Longing for you (Loukes). A simple chant of longing for God. Sound sample and lyrics here.
Online resource: Prepare, prepare the way of the Lord (Kleinheksel). A simple round, particularly appropriate for kids. Adults might find it a bit simple, but it’s quite effective. Sheet music.
VU239 O great Spirit how I long to hear (Clellamin) Native American song - very simple, would be best with a good hand-clapping rhythm or drumming.
NCH563 / MV143 / HPP260 / GC710 / GC(II)703 / RS 636 / Cha684 / URW169 We cannot own the sunlit sky / Abundant life (Duck) I like these words full of hope for the future. I would prefer to sing it to the tune of "How can I keep From singing". LA GRANGE is the other option.
Romans 1:1-7
Words of greeting and a brief gospel summary
TiS 272 / AHB 200 / NCH122 / CH472 / UMH196 / VU002 / LBW030 / ELW254 / HPP89 / PH001/PH002 / GC323 / GC(II)345 / RS 496 / CP088 / CP(E) 24 / W&R153 / Cha125 / URW101 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Wesley) Most versions of this old hymn are quite inclusive, although still quite old fashioned.
ATW 451 Jesus Saviour of the world (Schubert) Simple chant-like song.
SFFS 2248 We believe in God our creator / Creed One (Andrus) A simple creed. It's OK.
Ahh... I'm struggling with this one. Too many possibilities for the general concept, and too few for the specific... Your congregation probably has a favourite song that speaks to them in a particular way of Christ's holiness and grace. Probably best to choose that song for your congregation.
Ours might be:
Tune In: God’s Mercy A beautiful ballad about recognising God's mercy in the everyday. Lyrics, sound sample, songbook.
Matthew 1:18-25
The angel appears to Joseph in his dream.
Just as an aside, I just picked up this Christmas book from my local bookstore on the weekend. It's wonderful! And very Australian. Highly recommended for thinking tweens and teenagers, and grown ups.
NCH105 Gentle Joseph Joseph dear (German carol) This is a lovely old carol; very easy to sing. There's not many songs out there for dear old Joseph. Words (pdf).
NCH121 / UMH210 / VU005 / WoV629 / ELW266 / W&R163 / Cha139 All earth is waiting / All earth is hopeful / Toda la tierra espera al Salvador (Taule) Fun Catalonian tune, good words, although the English translations vary between sources.
G(II)647 / GC893 / GC(II)870 God of Adam God of Joseph (Kaan) Father's day A lovely gentle song that celebrates Joseph, fathers, and all who nurture children. Short sound sample. Sheet music and lyrics.
TiS 328 Joseph your love of life brought an engagement (Michaels) I really love the words for this; such positive images of what Joseph may have been like. The tune in TiS (HEALING) is not easy. It might be a good song to ask your musicians to sing so the congregation can listen and ponder the words.
W&R172 For Ages Women Hoped and Prayed (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. Lyrics (downloads a Word file). Set to VOX DILECTI, but could be sung to other tunes. It fits New Britain (the tune for Amazing Grace) quite nicely.
TiS 294 / NCH127 / UMH216 / VU008 / LBW058 / ELW272 / HPP133 / PH048 / GC368 / GC(II)373 / CP117 / W&R190 / Cha160 Lo how a Rose e'er blooming / Behold a rose is growing (German 15h Century) I love this traditional Advent song; it's not so well-known in Australia. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan Stevens singing it. And Feist.
AoV2-043 / NCH538 / SFFS 2095 / GC(II)355 Star-Child (NOAH’S SONG/Murray/Young) This song is easy to sing and has beautiful lyrics, especially for Advent. Sample sheet music and sound sample here.
Tune in: Tune In (Sims) A simple song for kids about listening out for God's voice. Songbook, lyrics and sample here. It's got actions!
GC(II)362 Dark is the night / Sing Alleluia (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.
Cha158 Her baby newly breathing (Wren) Realistic words of Mary's motherhood of a real life infant, to the familiar tune MERLE'S TUNE. The final verse sings of creating Wisdom "constricted into maleness, and of a woman born". Lyrics (scroll through)
Monday, November 22, 2010
Songs for New Year's Day
*CoC13 Come in come in New Year (Murray) A joyous New Year song, specific for the Southern Hemisphere. I particularly like Colin Gibson's tune (i); It also works for Darwall's 148th. Lyrics, sound sample and lead sheet for a different tune.
*TiS 653 / NCH417 / CH526 / UMH383 / GC(II)453 / G(3)522 / W&R355 / Cha518 This is a day of new beginnings (Wren) "This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone." Excellent words of reconciliation. A good New Year's Day hymn. There are two possible tunes. I prefer the more simple hymn-like tune by Carlton Young which is in most resources (including TiS). There is an optional final verse that can be used for Communion. Lyrics.
LBW222 / WoV778 / ELW480 / W&R433 O Christ the Same (Dudley-Smith) A bit more formal than I would usually suggest, but it's worth letting you know that this song is out there. Could be sung to RED or LONDONDERRY AIR. Lyrics*TiS 653 / NCH417 / CH526 / UMH383 / GC(II)453 / G(3)522 / W&R355 / Cha518 This is a day of new beginnings (Wren) "This is a day of new beginnings, time to remember and move on, time to believe what love is bringing, laying to rest the pain that's gone." Excellent words of reconciliation. A good New Year's Day hymn. There are two possible tunes. I prefer the more simple hymn-like tune by Carlton Young which is in most resources (including TiS). There is an optional final verse that can be used for Communion. Lyrics.
CP(E) 82 / 82Hml-251 O God whom neither time nor space (Smith) An older style hymn casting away the old year, and committing to the new. I'm sure the lyrics could be modernised and it would still sound good (and be easier for those not inclined to thees and thous). Lyrics.
*Iona (Love From Below) / GA555 / G(II)648 / GC894 / GC(II)877 / G(3)989 / Lau712 The God of all eternity unbound by space yet always near (Bell) Sung to the familiar tune O WALY WALY. Some non-inclusive language in the Gather hymnals. Lyrics.
*Online Resource At the turning of the year (Hudson) Excellent words from the United Methodist General Board of Discipleship set to a simple hymn tune (RATISBON). Sheet music.
*Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians Celebrate a new day dawning (Aldredge-Clanton) Great new hymn words, sung to ODE TO JOY. Lyrics
These songs are not specific for new year, but would work well:
*Tune In: Making things new (Sheree Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
*AoV2-007 / AoVNG110 See I Make All Things New (O'Brien, 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”. A nice acapella sound sample (search for "See,"). I usually play it with more of a jazz feel.
*AoV2-085 / Iona (T1AU) / MV115 Behold behold I Make All Things New (Bell) A nice hopeful upbeat short song. Lyrics (downloads a pdf)
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Songs and Hymns for Advent 3A (December 12th 2010)
See also General Advent Suggestions
Isaiah 35:1-10
The desert blooms, the weak are strong, the blind can see etc.
Tune In Making things new (Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, good theology, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written (Patterson) Great tune (JUDAS AND MARY), and excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future. Lyrics (note: a different tune).
UMH729 / VU682 / WoV762 / LBW161 / ELW627 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 O day of peace that dimly shines (Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER). Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and sound sample (JERUSALEM). Sound sample of CANDLER.
AoV2-007 / AoVNG110 See I Make All Things New (O'Brien, 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”. A nice acapella sound sample (search for "See,"). I usually play it with more of a jazz feel.
AoV2-085 / Iona (T1AU) / MV115 Behold behold I Make All Things New (Bell) A nice hopeful upbeat short song. Lyrics (downloads a pdf)
G(II)249 / GC319 / GC(II)325 Close as tomorrow the sun shall appear / Walk in the Reign (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 (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 (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, sheet music sample, and pdf for purchase.
TiS 294 / NCH127 / UMH216 / VU008 / LBW058 / ELW272 / HPP133 / PH048 / GC368 / GC(II)373 / CP117 / W&R190 / Cha160 Lo how a Rose e'er blooming / Behold a rose is growing (German 15h Century) I love this traditional Advent song; it's not so well-known in Australia. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan Stevens singing it. And Feist.
TiS 633 / AHB 563 Lord we are blind; the world of sight (Edge) A quite formal and lovely older-style hymn. The tune is not immediately singable, but is very beautiful. If you have musicians who could sing this for the congregation, that would be excellent.
TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / HPP74 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words. They are so jubilant. I'm so stoked that my son walks around the house singing this... In the AHB, Christ is masculine, but I think that's okay. Lyrics and one possible tune.
ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (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 (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.
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 596 / AHB 515 CH183 / CP(E) 424 / Srce2-121 Fill my whole life / Fill now our life / Fill thou my life O Lord my God (Bonar) Inclusive language for God and a plea for praise in the whole of life. Verse 4 may be bothersome "poor though I be, and weak". Church Hymnary is very inclusive and has a less bothersome 4th verse.
TiS 90 / AHB 44 / UMH60 / VU867 / PH253 / CP346 / CP(E) 473 / W&R79 / Cha20 I'll praise my Maker while I've breath (Watts) A great classic hymn. Most sources are not inclusive; Voices United is!
URW357 Praise to the One who sets prisoners free (Eslinger) 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.
WCC website: Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos. This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Free sheet music!
Alternate: Luke 1:46b-55
The magnificat
G(II)128 / GC147 / GC(II)83 / RS210 / URW020 And Holy Is Your Name (Haas) Lovely words to a simple Celtic tune (WILD MOUNTAIN THYME). Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample (search for Holy is your name).
MV120 / StS124 / R245 / ELW723 / HPP88 / G(II)376 / GC556 / GC(II)527 / RS678 / URW018 My soul cries out with a joyful shout (Canticle of the Turning) This is my favourite Magnificat! "Could the world be about to turn?" It's sung to a folk tune (STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN). Sheet music and sound sample (search for turning). Lyrics.
GC(II)362 Dark is the night / Sing Alleluia (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. Nice sound sample, lyrics and sheet music sample (search for Sing Alleluia and scroll or search down to find "Dark is the night")
VU323 Maker of the sun and moon and mother of the earth (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.
Taize / GC(II)530 Let Us Sing to the Lord / Benissez le Seigneur A joyous chant. Sound samples, sheet music and translations.
Taize / Iona (T1AU) / StS012 / GC(II)522 Magnificat “Magnificat amina mea dominum” Taize Magnificat. To be honest, I think it’s kind of funny to sing “Magnificat” as a lyric, but maybe that's just me. There are also alternative English lyrics, which are good if your congregation thinks singing in Latin is quirky. A catchy and happy Taize chant. Sheet music, sound samples, and English translation.
Online resource Magnificat (Harding) A fun magnificat, using the Latin phrase “Magnificat amina mea deum” Sound and sheet music sample.
GC788 / G(II)568 / GC(II)773 All that I am sings (Haas) Nice. Simple refrain. Sheet music and sound sample (search for "Magnificat").
TiS 172 / NCH119 / UMH198 / VU899 / Cha130 My soul gives glory to my God my heart (Miriam Therese Winter / MORNING SONG) 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".
GC(II)782 My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of God (Haugen) Nice, simple to sing. Sample sheet music and music sample (search for "My soul proclaims").
GA250 My soul rejoices / Canticle of Mary (Alstott) A simple, hymnlike Magnificat.
W&R172 For Ages Women Hoped and Prayed (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. Lyrics (downloads a Word file). Set to VOX DILECTI, but could be sung to other tunes. It fits New Britain (the tune for Amazing Grace) quite nicely.
WoV730 / LBW180 / ELW573 / CP363 My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness A very simple hymny Magnificat; there are a few translations of this. WoV is good (I don't know about ELW or CP). Sung to the well known tune KINGSFOLD.
James 5:7-10
Have patience
NCH121 / UMH210 / VU005 / WoV629 / ELW266 / W&R163 / Cha139 All earth is waiting / All earth is hopeful / Toda la tierra espera al Salvador (Taule) Fun Catalonian tune, good words, although the English translations vary between sources.
SFFS 2211 Faith Is Patience in the Night (Keithahn) Good simple words and a good simple tune with a good simple refrain "Spirit God, give us faith"
Matthew 11:2-11
Jesus is the one the prophets foretold
NCH107 / LBW633 / ELW242 / GC346 / GC(II)351 / RS494 / W&R160 / Cha138 Awake Awake and greet the new morn (Haugen) Joyful song. Maybe best suited to the Northern Hemisphere? Lyrics, sound sample.
NCH101 / CH274 / VU883 / LBW29 / ELW256 / HPP84 / HPPS003 / GC326 / GC(II)331 / RS488 / CP100 / W&R155 / Cha122 Comfort Comfort O My People 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. For sheet music and lyrics sample see here (search for Gather Comprehensive 326).
TiS 180 / UMH105 / W&R58 / Cha013 God of many names (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 (downloads a pdf)
VU028 / LBW556 / CP111 Herald Sound the note of gladness (Waters) Good words to an adapted old hymn tune (NEW MALDEN). Some versions start with a verse about a note of judgement.
Recorded music: Over the Rhine: The Trumpet Child (from the album The Trumpet Child). We used this song a fair bit last Advent, and the one before. For those who have not heard it, it's really worth a couple of listens. You can watch a video and read lyrics of the song here.
TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / HPP74 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words. They are so jubilant. In the AHB, Christ is masculine, but I think that's okay. Lyrics and one possible tune.
TiS 270 / AHB 199 / NCH115 / CH334 / VU20 / LBW548 / ELW842 / HPPS010 / G(II)260 / GC321 / 322 / GC(II)344 / CP103 / CP(E) 34 / W&R156 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry. If you would like inclusive lyrics (and who wouldn’t!), 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. 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).
Seeds of Faith Prepare the Way For Love (Bruxvoort-Colligan). A good song for kids. Sound sample and lyrics here. BUC people, I have this book.
VU010 Prepare the way of the Lord (Burkhardt) A lovely simple round.
Online resource: Prepare, prepare the way of the Lord (Kleinheksel). A simple round, particularly appropriate for kids. Adults mind find it a bit simple, but it’s quite effective. Worth a look. Available here.
Isaiah 35:1-10
The desert blooms, the weak are strong, the blind can see etc.
Tune In Making things new (Anderson). A groovy one. Great for kids, good theology, and lots of fun. Sound sample, lyrics and songbook.
TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written (Patterson) Great tune (JUDAS AND MARY), and excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future. Lyrics (note: a different tune).
UMH729 / VU682 / WoV762 / LBW161 / ELW627 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 O day of peace that dimly shines (Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER). Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and sound sample (JERUSALEM). Sound sample of CANDLER.
AoV2-007 / AoVNG110 See I Make All Things New (O'Brien, 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”. A nice acapella sound sample (search for "See,"). I usually play it with more of a jazz feel.
AoV2-085 / Iona (T1AU) / MV115 Behold behold I Make All Things New (Bell) A nice hopeful upbeat short song. Lyrics (downloads a pdf)
G(II)249 / GC319 / GC(II)325 Close as tomorrow the sun shall appear / Walk in the Reign (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 (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 (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, sheet music sample, and pdf for purchase.
TiS 294 / NCH127 / UMH216 / VU008 / LBW058 / ELW272 / HPP133 / PH048 / GC368 / GC(II)373 / CP117 / W&R190 / Cha160 Lo how a Rose e'er blooming / Behold a rose is growing (German 15h Century) I love this traditional Advent song; it's not so well-known in Australia. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan Stevens singing it. And Feist.
TiS 633 / AHB 563 Lord we are blind; the world of sight (Edge) A quite formal and lovely older-style hymn. The tune is not immediately singable, but is very beautiful. If you have musicians who could sing this for the congregation, that would be excellent.
TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / HPP74 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words. They are so jubilant. I'm so stoked that my son walks around the house singing this... In the AHB, Christ is masculine, but I think that's okay. Lyrics and one possible tune.
ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (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 (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.
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 596 / AHB 515 CH183 / CP(E) 424 / Srce2-121 Fill my whole life / Fill now our life / Fill thou my life O Lord my God (Bonar) Inclusive language for God and a plea for praise in the whole of life. Verse 4 may be bothersome "poor though I be, and weak". Church Hymnary is very inclusive and has a less bothersome 4th verse.
TiS 90 / AHB 44 / UMH60 / VU867 / PH253 / CP346 / CP(E) 473 / W&R79 / Cha20 I'll praise my Maker while I've breath (Watts) A great classic hymn. Most sources are not inclusive; Voices United is!
URW357 Praise to the One who sets prisoners free (Eslinger) 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.
WCC website: Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos. This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Free sheet music!
Alternate: Luke 1:46b-55
The magnificat
G(II)128 / GC147 / GC(II)83 / RS210 / URW020 And Holy Is Your Name (Haas) Lovely words to a simple Celtic tune (WILD MOUNTAIN THYME). Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample (search for Holy is your name).
MV120 / StS124 / R245 / ELW723 / HPP88 / G(II)376 / GC556 / GC(II)527 / RS678 / URW018 My soul cries out with a joyful shout (Canticle of the Turning) This is my favourite Magnificat! "Could the world be about to turn?" It's sung to a folk tune (STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN). Sheet music and sound sample (search for turning). Lyrics.
GC(II)362 Dark is the night / Sing Alleluia (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. Nice sound sample, lyrics and sheet music sample (search for Sing Alleluia and scroll or search down to find "Dark is the night")
VU323 Maker of the sun and moon and mother of the earth (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.
Taize / GC(II)530 Let Us Sing to the Lord / Benissez le Seigneur A joyous chant. Sound samples, sheet music and translations.
Taize / Iona (T1AU) / StS012 / GC(II)522 Magnificat “Magnificat amina mea dominum” Taize Magnificat. To be honest, I think it’s kind of funny to sing “Magnificat” as a lyric, but maybe that's just me. There are also alternative English lyrics, which are good if your congregation thinks singing in Latin is quirky. A catchy and happy Taize chant. Sheet music, sound samples, and English translation.
Online resource Magnificat (Harding) A fun magnificat, using the Latin phrase “Magnificat amina mea deum” Sound and sheet music sample.
GC788 / G(II)568 / GC(II)773 All that I am sings (Haas) Nice. Simple refrain. Sheet music and sound sample (search for "Magnificat").
TiS 172 / NCH119 / UMH198 / VU899 / Cha130 My soul gives glory to my God my heart (Miriam Therese Winter / MORNING SONG) 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".
GC(II)782 My Soul Proclaims the Greatness of God (Haugen) Nice, simple to sing. Sample sheet music and music sample (search for "My soul proclaims").
GA250 My soul rejoices / Canticle of Mary (Alstott) A simple, hymnlike Magnificat.
W&R172 For Ages Women Hoped and Prayed (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. Lyrics (downloads a Word file). Set to VOX DILECTI, but could be sung to other tunes. It fits New Britain (the tune for Amazing Grace) quite nicely.
WoV730 / LBW180 / ELW573 / CP363 My Soul Proclaims Your Greatness A very simple hymny Magnificat; there are a few translations of this. WoV is good (I don't know about ELW or CP). Sung to the well known tune KINGSFOLD.
James 5:7-10
Have patience
NCH121 / UMH210 / VU005 / WoV629 / ELW266 / W&R163 / Cha139 All earth is waiting / All earth is hopeful / Toda la tierra espera al Salvador (Taule) Fun Catalonian tune, good words, although the English translations vary between sources.
SFFS 2211 Faith Is Patience in the Night (Keithahn) Good simple words and a good simple tune with a good simple refrain "Spirit God, give us faith"
Matthew 11:2-11
Jesus is the one the prophets foretold
NCH107 / LBW633 / ELW242 / GC346 / GC(II)351 / RS494 / W&R160 / Cha138 Awake Awake and greet the new morn (Haugen) Joyful song. Maybe best suited to the Northern Hemisphere? Lyrics, sound sample.
NCH101 / CH274 / VU883 / LBW29 / ELW256 / HPP84 / HPPS003 / GC326 / GC(II)331 / RS488 / CP100 / W&R155 / Cha122 Comfort Comfort O My People 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. For sheet music and lyrics sample see here (search for Gather Comprehensive 326).
TiS 180 / UMH105 / W&R58 / Cha013 God of many names (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 (downloads a pdf)
VU028 / LBW556 / CP111 Herald Sound the note of gladness (Waters) Good words to an adapted old hymn tune (NEW MALDEN). Some versions start with a verse about a note of judgement.
Recorded music: Over the Rhine: The Trumpet Child (from the album The Trumpet Child). We used this song a fair bit last Advent, and the one before. For those who have not heard it, it's really worth a couple of listens. You can watch a video and read lyrics of the song here.
TiS 210 / AHB 141 / NCH42 / CH352 / UMH57 / VU326 / LBW42 / ELW295 / HPP74 / PH466 / CP306 / CP(E) 534 / W&R96 / Cha005 / Srce506 O for a thousand tongues to sing (Wesley) A classic. I particularly love NATIVITY for these words. They are so jubilant. In the AHB, Christ is masculine, but I think that's okay. Lyrics and one possible tune.
TiS 270 / AHB 199 / NCH115 / CH334 / VU20 / LBW548 / ELW842 / HPPS010 / G(II)260 / GC321 / 322 / GC(II)344 / CP103 / CP(E) 34 / W&R156 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry. If you would like inclusive lyrics (and who wouldn’t!), 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. 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).
Seeds of Faith Prepare the Way For Love (Bruxvoort-Colligan). A good song for kids. Sound sample and lyrics here. BUC people, I have this book.
VU010 Prepare the way of the Lord (Burkhardt) A lovely simple round.
Online resource: Prepare, prepare the way of the Lord (Kleinheksel). A simple round, particularly appropriate for kids. Adults mind find it a bit simple, but it’s quite effective. Worth a look. Available here.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Songs, Hymns and Carols for Advent 2A (December 5 2010)
See also general Advent songs
Brunswick Theme this week: Making Space for the Stranger
Immanuel Presbyterian Church Los Angeles Come and share our sacred space / Ashe Ashe (Complicated authorship) A song of radical inclusion and welcome of all. The word "Ashe" is Yoruba and means something like Amen, but stronger. Like "It definitely shall be so". This song is sung regularly at Immanuel Presbyterian, and their musical director has graciously sent me a pdf you can use.
CH198 / MV001 / GC753 / GC(II)741 / RS 846 Let Us Build a House / All are welcome (Haugen / TWO OAKS) This song has wonderful lyrics of hope for what a Christian community can be like, and a chorus that joyfully says “All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place”. Sheet music sample. Sound sample. Lyrics (scroll down a little).
New Brunswick UCA Songs Take this space (Brown) The new song for the opening of the updated church space would fit well this week.
Isaiah 11:1-10
A prophecy of a righteous judge to come; a shoot of Jesse with the spirit of God.
VU901 / WoV725 / PH601 / URW010 Blessed be the God of Israel (Song of Zechariah) (Daw) While based on Luke 1:68-79, this song fits well for this Isaiah reading as well. It can be sung to KINGSFOLD or FOREST GREEN, so will be very easy to sing.
TiS 284 / ELW552 / W&R158 / Cha135 / URW012 Blessed be the God of Israel / O Bless the God of Israel (Perry) Good words of Christ as the fulfiller of the prophets who will set God's people free from fear and darkness. Some versions (like TiS) use exclusively masculine language for God. URW and Chalice are inclusive. Set to the simple tune MERLE'S TUNE.
G(II)249 / GC319 / GC(II)325 Close as tomorrow the sun shall appear / Walk in the Reign (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.
GA281 Gather in hope people of God / Advent Song (Browne / 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.
AoV1-071 / GA530 / GC(II)742 Gather Your People (Hurd) Excellent eucharistic theology. Sound sample. Lyric and sheet music sample.
TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written (Patterson) Great tune (JUDAS AND MARY), and excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future. Lyrics (note: a different tune).
TiS 294 / NCH127 / UMH216 / VU008 / LBW058 / ELW272 / HPP133 / PH048 / GC368 / GC(II)373 / CP117 / W&R190 / Cha160 Lo how a Rose e'er blooming / Behold a rose is growing (German 15h 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. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan Stevens singing it. And Feist.
TiS 265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 / ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 / W&R154 / Cha119 O come O come Emmanuel (Psaleroilum Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent carol. Most versions are pretty inclusive. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan again. And Sam Billen. Those last two recordings are maybe a bit too laid back, really...
UMH729 / VU682 / WoV762 / LBW161 / ELW627 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 O day of peace that dimly shines (Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER). Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and sound sample (JERUSALEM). Sound sample of CANDLER.
ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (Schmidt) A fun and simple advent song - would be good any week of Advent, but fits particularly well this week.
NCH109 With joy draw water (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. Lyrics (loads a pdf which you'll need to search through).
Online resource A child will lead the dawn of grace (Garland) Sung to a standard hymn tune (MARYTON), lovely new words that speak of justice through this child that is coming. Free sheet music.
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Praise for a just and righteous king Solomon
Emergent Psalter For he shall deliver the poor (Everett) A Psalm refrain. It's not amazing, but I'm having trouble finding good Psalm refrains for this particular Psalm.
AoV2-043 / NCH538 / SFFS 2095 / GC(II)355 Star-Child (NOAH’S SONG/Murray/Young) This song is easy to sing and has beautiful lyrics, especially for Advent. Sample sheet music and sound sample here.
WCC website: Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos. This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Free sheet music!
SP&P137 The world is hungry for justice / Sweet Justice (Gilio / Ressman) This song is new to me (as is the book), 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.
NCH36 / PH219 To God compose a song of joy (Duck) “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).
Romans 15:4-13
Living in harmony; root of Jesse. See also the suggestions for the Isaiah reading above.
TiS 650 / AoV2-169 / ATA 191 / CH694 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 / SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 / W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 Brother, sister, let me serve you (Gillard) I think you all know this one. Lyrics.
VU619 / WoV738 / ELW612 / SFFS 2213 / G(II)642 / GC882 / GC(II)854 / RS 958 / CP612 / W&R630 / Cha506 / URW161 Healer of Our Every Ill (Haugen) Good straightforward words of healing and simple tune. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample.
TiS 417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 / HPP237 / HPPS323 / CP657 / W&R135 / Cha244 / URW203 Loving Spirit, Loving Spirit (Murray). There are about a zillion tunes set for this. I prefer FELICITY (by Colin Gibson TiS 417), but also like RESTORATION and OMNI DIE. Lyrics are here.
AoVK-99 May the hope of God surround us (Schmidt) A simple blessing.
TiS 265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 / ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 / W&R154 / Cha119 O come O come Emmanuel (Psaleroilum Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent carol. Most versions are pretty inclusive. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan again. And Sam Billen. Those last two recordings are maybe a bit too laid back, really...
URW299 O many people of all lands (Barranda) A good song supporting multicultural harmony at home, at work, and in church.
Matthew 3:1-12
John the Baptist; Prepare a way; the brood of vipers bit.
TiS 688 Come to be our hope O Jesus (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!
StS008 / SFFS 2089 / HPSS409 Wild and Lone the Prophet's Voice (Daw) Excellent, challenging words. I prefer this sung to ABERYSTWYTH which is well known and easily accessible. Lyrics
AoVK-50 / ATW 430 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts) Excellent and energetic.
TiS 647 / AoV2-012 / ATN 25 Comfort comfort all my people (Mann) This is one of my all time favourite songs. 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”. It’s largely a paraphrase of this passage and well worth looking at if you are not familiar with it. Lyrics here, mp3 sample here.
TiS 270 / AHB 199 / NCH115 / CH334 / VU20 / LBW548 / ELW842 / HPPS010 / G(II)260 / GC321 / 322 / GC(II)344 / CP103 / CP(E) 34 / W&R156 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry. If you would like inclusive lyrics (and who wouldn’t!), 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. 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).
Seeds of Faith Prepare the Way For Love (Bruxvoort-Colligan). A good song for kids. Sound sample and lyrics here. BUC people, I have this book.
VU010 Prepare the way of the Lord (Burkhardt) A lovely simple round.
Online resource: Prepare, prepare the way of the Lord (Kleinheksel). A simple round, particularly appropriate for kids. Adults mind find it a bit simple, but it’s quite effective. Worth a look. Available here.
UMH207 / VU10 / StS014 / GC336 / GC(II)330 / W&R174 / Cha121 Prepare the way of the Lord (Berthier) A lovely simple round. Great for kids. Sound sample, lyrics, sheet music (search for Prepare the way of the Lord).
Online resource: Down by the Jordan (Winfrey-Gillette). Good inclusive words to the familiar tune LOBE DEN HERREN. Available here.
Taize / UMH207 / VU10 / StS014 / GC336 / GC(II)330 Prepare the way of the Lord (Berthier) A lovely simple round. Sheet music and sound sample here.
Tune In: Dare to Dream. A great song about having a vision for the future, being lead by the light of Bethlehem’s star. Sound sample and lyrics here.
VU028 / LBW556 / CP111 Herald Sound the note of gladness (Waters) Good words to an adapted old hymn tune (NEW MALDEN). Some versions start with a verse about a note of judgement.
CH281 / UMH202 / VU9 / WoV626 / LBW626 / ELW248 / HPP83 / PH012 / G(II)337 / GC318 / GC(II)337 / CP091 / CP(E) 35 / W&R161 / Cha142 / SP15 People look East. The time is near (Farjeon) Quite nice and joyful Advent song. Note that it is cold-climate Northern Hemisphere specific. Lyrics.
Brunswick Theme this week: Making Space for the Stranger
Immanuel Presbyterian Church Los Angeles Come and share our sacred space / Ashe Ashe (Complicated authorship) A song of radical inclusion and welcome of all. The word "Ashe" is Yoruba and means something like Amen, but stronger. Like "It definitely shall be so". This song is sung regularly at Immanuel Presbyterian, and their musical director has graciously sent me a pdf you can use.
CH198 / MV001 / GC753 / GC(II)741 / RS 846 Let Us Build a House / All are welcome (Haugen / TWO OAKS) This song has wonderful lyrics of hope for what a Christian community can be like, and a chorus that joyfully says “All are welcome, all are welcome, all are welcome in this place”. Sheet music sample. Sound sample. Lyrics (scroll down a little).
New Brunswick UCA Songs Take this space (Brown) The new song for the opening of the updated church space would fit well this week.
Isaiah 11:1-10
A prophecy of a righteous judge to come; a shoot of Jesse with the spirit of God.
VU901 / WoV725 / PH601 / URW010 Blessed be the God of Israel (Song of Zechariah) (Daw) While based on Luke 1:68-79, this song fits well for this Isaiah reading as well. It can be sung to KINGSFOLD or FOREST GREEN, so will be very easy to sing.
TiS 284 / ELW552 / W&R158 / Cha135 / URW012 Blessed be the God of Israel / O Bless the God of Israel (Perry) Good words of Christ as the fulfiller of the prophets who will set God's people free from fear and darkness. Some versions (like TiS) use exclusively masculine language for God. URW and Chalice are inclusive. Set to the simple tune MERLE'S TUNE.
G(II)249 / GC319 / GC(II)325 Close as tomorrow the sun shall appear / Walk in the Reign (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.
GA281 Gather in hope people of God / Advent Song (Browne / 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.
AoV1-071 / GA530 / GC(II)742 Gather Your People (Hurd) Excellent eucharistic theology. Sound sample. Lyric and sheet music sample.
TiS 663 / NCH108 / CH241 / VU680 / PH337 / W&R532 Isaiah the prophet has written (Patterson) Great tune (JUDAS AND MARY), and excellent words of Isaiah's vision for the future. Lyrics (note: a different tune).
TiS 294 / NCH127 / UMH216 / VU008 / LBW058 / ELW272 / HPP133 / PH048 / GC368 / GC(II)373 / CP117 / W&R190 / Cha160 Lo how a Rose e'er blooming / Behold a rose is growing (German 15h 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. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan Stevens singing it. And Feist.
TiS 265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 / ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 / W&R154 / Cha119 O come O come Emmanuel (Psaleroilum Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent carol. Most versions are pretty inclusive. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan again. And Sam Billen. Those last two recordings are maybe a bit too laid back, really...
UMH729 / VU682 / WoV762 / LBW161 / ELW627 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 O day of peace that dimly shines (Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER). Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and sound sample (JERUSALEM). Sound sample of CANDLER.
ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (Schmidt) A fun and simple advent song - would be good any week of Advent, but fits particularly well this week.
NCH109 With joy draw water (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. Lyrics (loads a pdf which you'll need to search through).
Online resource A child will lead the dawn of grace (Garland) Sung to a standard hymn tune (MARYTON), lovely new words that speak of justice through this child that is coming. Free sheet music.
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Praise for a just and righteous king Solomon
Emergent Psalter For he shall deliver the poor (Everett) A Psalm refrain. It's not amazing, but I'm having trouble finding good Psalm refrains for this particular Psalm.
AoV2-043 / NCH538 / SFFS 2095 / GC(II)355 Star-Child (NOAH’S SONG/Murray/Young) This song is easy to sing and has beautiful lyrics, especially for Advent. Sample sheet music and sound sample here.
WCC website: Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos. This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Free sheet music!
SP&P137 The world is hungry for justice / Sweet Justice (Gilio / Ressman) This song is new to me (as is the book), 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.
NCH36 / PH219 To God compose a song of joy (Duck) “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).
Romans 15:4-13
Living in harmony; root of Jesse. See also the suggestions for the Isaiah reading above.
TiS 650 / AoV2-169 / ATA 191 / CH694 / VU595 / ELW659 / AA08 / SFFS 2222 / HPP442 / G(II)476 / GC683 / GC(II)661 / CP500 / CP(E) 393 / W&R391 / Cha490 / SP263 / URW117 Brother, sister, let me serve you (Gillard) I think you all know this one. Lyrics.
VU619 / WoV738 / ELW612 / SFFS 2213 / G(II)642 / GC882 / GC(II)854 / RS 958 / CP612 / W&R630 / Cha506 / URW161 Healer of Our Every Ill (Haugen) Good straightforward words of healing and simple tune. Lyrics and sheet music sample. Sound sample.
TiS 417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 / HPP237 / HPPS323 / CP657 / W&R135 / Cha244 / URW203 Loving Spirit, Loving Spirit (Murray). There are about a zillion tunes set for this. I prefer FELICITY (by Colin Gibson TiS 417), but also like RESTORATION and OMNI DIE. Lyrics are here.
AoVK-99 May the hope of God surround us (Schmidt) A simple blessing.
TiS 265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 / ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 / W&R154 / Cha119 O come O come Emmanuel (Psaleroilum Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent carol. Most versions are pretty inclusive. Lyrics and sound sample. Here's Sufjan again. And Sam Billen. Those last two recordings are maybe a bit too laid back, really...
URW299 O many people of all lands (Barranda) A good song supporting multicultural harmony at home, at work, and in church.
Matthew 3:1-12
John the Baptist; Prepare a way; the brood of vipers bit.
TiS 688 Come to be our hope O Jesus (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!
StS008 / SFFS 2089 / HPSS409 Wild and Lone the Prophet's Voice (Daw) Excellent, challenging words. I prefer this sung to ABERYSTWYTH which is well known and easily accessible. Lyrics
AoVK-50 / ATW 430 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts) Excellent and energetic.
TiS 647 / AoV2-012 / ATN 25 Comfort comfort all my people (Mann) This is one of my all time favourite songs. 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”. It’s largely a paraphrase of this passage and well worth looking at if you are not familiar with it. Lyrics here, mp3 sample here.
TiS 270 / AHB 199 / NCH115 / CH334 / VU20 / LBW548 / ELW842 / HPPS010 / G(II)260 / GC321 / 322 / GC(II)344 / CP103 / CP(E) 34 / W&R156 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry. If you would like inclusive lyrics (and who wouldn’t!), 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. 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).
Seeds of Faith Prepare the Way For Love (Bruxvoort-Colligan). A good song for kids. Sound sample and lyrics here. BUC people, I have this book.
VU010 Prepare the way of the Lord (Burkhardt) A lovely simple round.
Online resource: Prepare, prepare the way of the Lord (Kleinheksel). A simple round, particularly appropriate for kids. Adults mind find it a bit simple, but it’s quite effective. Worth a look. Available here.
UMH207 / VU10 / StS014 / GC336 / GC(II)330 / W&R174 / Cha121 Prepare the way of the Lord (Berthier) A lovely simple round. Great for kids. Sound sample, lyrics, sheet music (search for Prepare the way of the Lord).
Online resource: Down by the Jordan (Winfrey-Gillette). Good inclusive words to the familiar tune LOBE DEN HERREN. Available here.
Taize / UMH207 / VU10 / StS014 / GC336 / GC(II)330 Prepare the way of the Lord (Berthier) A lovely simple round. Sheet music and sound sample here.
Tune In: Dare to Dream. A great song about having a vision for the future, being lead by the light of Bethlehem’s star. Sound sample and lyrics here.
VU028 / LBW556 / CP111 Herald Sound the note of gladness (Waters) Good words to an adapted old hymn tune (NEW MALDEN). Some versions start with a verse about a note of judgement.
CH281 / UMH202 / VU9 / WoV626 / LBW626 / ELW248 / HPP83 / PH012 / G(II)337 / GC318 / GC(II)337 / CP091 / CP(E) 35 / W&R161 / Cha142 / SP15 People look East. The time is near (Farjeon) Quite nice and joyful Advent song. Note that it is cold-climate Northern Hemisphere specific. Lyrics.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Songs and Hymns for Advent 1A (November 28th 2010)
See also general Advent songs.
Isaiah 2:1-5
Come let us go to the mountain of God. "Making space for the holy" is the theme for Brunswick UCA.
SFFS 2202 / URW059 Come Away with Me to a quiet place (Keithahn) A lovely simple song of sanctuary and quietness.
W&R655 / URW202 Come Away from Rush and Hurry (Dawn) Excellent words of resting in a sacred space to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING (TiS 493)
FFS04 Be still my heart (John Murray) A good opening to worship. With two possible simple tunes. "Be still my heart, my mind, my busy world that I may hear God's word".
CH716 / VU374 / FFS10 / SFFS 2128 / W&R477 / Cha575 Come and find the quiet centre (Murray) A good song for the beginning of worship. I would prefer to sing this to one of the more traditional melodies offered (Tune 1 in FFS) or BEACH SPRING (TiS 493).
CH195 / StS053 / AA061 Here to the house of God we come (Murray / Gibson) Good honest words and a simple, but unusual tune. Sound sample.
TiS 666 / AoV2-113 / AoVK-126 / ATOK 409 / NCH526 / Iona (Common Ground, Freedom is Coming) / CH516 / VU646/647 / WoV650 / ELW866 / SFFS 2235 / HPP153 / G(II)357 / GC513 / GC(II)516 We are marching in the light of God / Siyahamba / Caminando Fits perfectly with the last verse.
NCH107 / LBW633 / ELW242 / GC346 / GC(II)351 / RS494 / W&R160 / Cha138 Awake Awake and greet the new morn (Haugen) Joyful song. Maybe best suited to the Northern Hemisphere? Lyrics, sound sample.
Iona (SBL) / CH275 / VU34 / R101 / ELW247 / SFFS 2232 / CP588 / W&R157 / SP10 / URW415 Come now O Prince of peace / O-So-So (Lee) A lovely simple Korean song, praying for the coming of the one who will bring all peace. Inclusive language for God and people. One of very few songs from Asia in Western hymnals. Lyrics (scroll down)
TiS 473 / NCH314 / W&R615 / Cha655 Community of Christ (Murray) Beautiful words to a traditional Hebrew synagogue melody (LEONI). Easy to sing. Lyrics (downloads a pdf of an excellent service of lamentation - scroll to the end).
NCH112 Keep awake be always ready (Clyde) Excellent words about Christ's coming to bring peace. It's sung to the tune for "Wake awake for night is flying", but is not simply a "rewrite". I particularly like the second verse of this one. "Rise and shine for One is coming whose love will quench all nature's thirsting to be made whole for evermore"
UMH729 / VU682 / WoV762 / LBW161 / ELW627 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 O day of peace that dimly shines (Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER). Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and sound sample (JERUSALEM). Sound sample of CANDLER.
AoV1-071 / GA530 / GC(II)742 Gather Your People (Hurd) Excellent eucharistic theology. Sound sample. Lyric and sheet music sample.
TiS 132 / AHB 65 / NCH277 / CH111 / UMH64 / VU315 / LBW165 / ELW413 / HPP243 / HPSS138 / G(II)332 / GC474 / GC(II)483 / CP001 / CP(E) 202 Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty (Heber / NICAEA) Many sources have good inclusive language for people and God (e.g. CH4 and TiS, but others don't so check your source!)
GA521 / G(II)525 / GC727 / SP244 / URW335 How Good it is what pleasure comes (Duck) Good words celebrating the joy of a faithful community. Sung to a familiar American folk tune. Lyrics and sample sheet music. Midi file of tune.
ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (Schmidt) A fun and simple advent song - would be good any week of Advent, but fits particularly well this week.
Psalm 122
Glad to go to God's house - pray for peace - suggestions for the Hebrew Scripture Lesson would also fit well.
NCH741 I was glad when they said unto me (Wooten) Very simple and straightforward chorus for this Psalm.
CH83 / URW321 I Rejoiced when I heard them say (Farrell) Highly recommended. A really lovely and simple to sing arrangement of this Psalm, with a chorus of "Shalom, shalom, the peace of God be here. Shalom, shalom, God's justice be ever near". URW suggests passing the peace during the refrain if desired. You can also use the refrain on its own.
Emergent Psalter Because of the house of the Lord your God (Everett) A good and simple Psalm refrain. Refrain only for download. Book seems to be most affordable through The Book Depository (US) at the moment for Australians.
AoV1-190 / UMH431 / HPP308 / G(II)529 / GC731 / GC(II)723 / W&R614 / Cha677 Let There Be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me (Miller/Jackson) Well known, and great for older kids. AoV changes "Brothers all are we, let me walk with my brother" to "We are family. Let us walk with each other". Lyrics.
G(II)108 / GC121 I Was Glad when they said to me (Haas) A pretty decent arrangement of this Psalm. I'm not terribly inspired by it, but it's fine really. Sheet music and lyrics. Midi.
Cha761 God has made me glad (von Brethorst) This is a psalm response using that old chorus probably best known as "He has made me glad". I think this could work fairly well as it would be very familiar, particularly for slightly older congregations.
Romans 13:11-14
The day is near. Live honourably
NCH112 Keep awake be always ready (Clyde) Yes, it works for this reading too. Excellent words about Christ's coming to bring peace. It's sung to the tune for "Wake awake for night is flying", but is not simply a "rewrite". I particularly like the second verse of this one. "Rise and shine for One is coming whose love will quench all nature's thirsting to be made whole for evermore".
ATOK 390 Put on love every day, never hide your love away (Walker) A groovy song for kids!
CH276 / VU22 / ELW262 / GA283 / G(II)256 / GC332 / GC(II)340 / CP094 / W&R166 / URW396 Wait for the Lord (Berthier) Very well known Taize chant. I prefer to sing "Wait for the Lord, WHOSE day is near", which is in many publications, but not all.
TiS 630 / AHB 554 The law of Christ alone can make us free (McAuley) …and love is the fulfilling of the law. A good song with excellent words from an Australian poet.
NCH590 / CH621 Spirit of Jesus, if I love my neighbour. Challenging words of offering help from a position of privilege and seeking to be set free from the entrapment of possessions “If I am hugging safety or possessions, uncurl my spirit as your love prevails, to join my neighbours, work for liberation, and find my freedom at the mark of nails”. Could also be sung to the tune PERFECT LOVE if your congregation woudl have trouble with the newer tune.
ATW 498 / Iona (T1AU) / MV 196 We will take what you offer. An excellent simple short song that works well either as an upbeat chorus or as a reflective chant. "We will take what you offer. We will live by your word. We will love one another. And be fed by you Lord". Sound sample here.
TiS 416 Great God your Spirit like the wind (Gaunt) Excellent words asking for God to shake us out of our complacency and give us compassion. I really wish it was set to a different tune - it is set to JERUSALEM and this seems to suck all the power out of the lyrics for me. It works with MAGNIFICAT (TiS173) which is fairly straightforward so I would try that if it's not too confusing for the congregation.
Matthew 24:36-44No-one knows the day or the hour. Keep awake! Be ready!
See the General Advent suggestions.
NCH112 Keep awake be always ready (Clyde) And it works for this reading too! Excellent words about Christ's coming to bring peace. It's sung to the tune for "Wake awake for night is flying", but is not simply a "rewrite". I particularly like the second verse of this one. "Rise and shine for One is coming whose love will quench all nature's thirsting to be made whole for evermore".
MV19 Maranatha (Skibsted) This simple chant, simply “Maranatha, Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus, come” makes a lovely meditation or prayer song.
Recorded music I want to be ready when Jesus comes (Dottie Peoples) This could be fun if you have a little gospel choir and it fits the reading really well. Youtube. Lyrics.
Recorded Music I want to be ready (Ben Harper) I love Ben Harper, and this will work for some congregations, but I don't know if I want to put on a long white robe... Sound sample on youtube.
TiS 272 / AHB 200 / NCH122 / CH472 / UMH196 / VU002 / LBW030 / ELW254 / HPP89 / PH001/PH002 / GC323 / GC(II)345 / RS 496 / CP088 / CP(E) 24 / W&R153 / Cha125 / URW101 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Wesley) Most versions of this old hymn are quite inclusive, although still quite old fashioned.
Isaiah 2:1-5
Come let us go to the mountain of God. "Making space for the holy" is the theme for Brunswick UCA.
SFFS 2202 / URW059 Come Away with Me to a quiet place (Keithahn) A lovely simple song of sanctuary and quietness.
W&R655 / URW202 Come Away from Rush and Hurry (Dawn) Excellent words of resting in a sacred space to the familiar tune BEACH SPRING (TiS 493)
FFS04 Be still my heart (John Murray) A good opening to worship. With two possible simple tunes. "Be still my heart, my mind, my busy world that I may hear God's word".
CH716 / VU374 / FFS10 / SFFS 2128 / W&R477 / Cha575 Come and find the quiet centre (Murray) A good song for the beginning of worship. I would prefer to sing this to one of the more traditional melodies offered (Tune 1 in FFS) or BEACH SPRING (TiS 493).
CH195 / StS053 / AA061 Here to the house of God we come (Murray / Gibson) Good honest words and a simple, but unusual tune. Sound sample.
TiS 666 / AoV2-113 / AoVK-126 / ATOK 409 / NCH526 / Iona (Common Ground, Freedom is Coming) / CH516 / VU646/647 / WoV650 / ELW866 / SFFS 2235 / HPP153 / G(II)357 / GC513 / GC(II)516 We are marching in the light of God / Siyahamba / Caminando Fits perfectly with the last verse.
NCH107 / LBW633 / ELW242 / GC346 / GC(II)351 / RS494 / W&R160 / Cha138 Awake Awake and greet the new morn (Haugen) Joyful song. Maybe best suited to the Northern Hemisphere? Lyrics, sound sample.
Iona (SBL) / CH275 / VU34 / R101 / ELW247 / SFFS 2232 / CP588 / W&R157 / SP10 / URW415 Come now O Prince of peace / O-So-So (Lee) A lovely simple Korean song, praying for the coming of the one who will bring all peace. Inclusive language for God and people. One of very few songs from Asia in Western hymnals. Lyrics (scroll down)
TiS 473 / NCH314 / W&R615 / Cha655 Community of Christ (Murray) Beautiful words to a traditional Hebrew synagogue melody (LEONI). Easy to sing. Lyrics (downloads a pdf of an excellent service of lamentation - scroll to the end).
NCH112 Keep awake be always ready (Clyde) Excellent words about Christ's coming to bring peace. It's sung to the tune for "Wake awake for night is flying", but is not simply a "rewrite". I particularly like the second verse of this one. "Rise and shine for One is coming whose love will quench all nature's thirsting to be made whole for evermore"
UMH729 / VU682 / WoV762 / LBW161 / ELW627 / PH450 / CP573 / W&R539 / Cha711 / URW140 O day of peace that dimly shines (Daw) A song of hoped-for peace. The tune in Chalice hymnal is really nice (CANDLER). Other sources use JERUSALEM, which is a bit too militaristic for me. Lyrics and sound sample (JERUSALEM). Sound sample of CANDLER.
AoV1-071 / GA530 / GC(II)742 Gather Your People (Hurd) Excellent eucharistic theology. Sound sample. Lyric and sheet music sample.
TiS 132 / AHB 65 / NCH277 / CH111 / UMH64 / VU315 / LBW165 / ELW413 / HPP243 / HPSS138 / G(II)332 / GC474 / GC(II)483 / CP001 / CP(E) 202 Holy Holy Holy Lord God Almighty (Heber / NICAEA) Many sources have good inclusive language for people and God (e.g. CH4 and TiS, but others don't so check your source!)
GA521 / G(II)525 / GC727 / SP244 / URW335 How Good it is what pleasure comes (Duck) Good words celebrating the joy of a faithful community. Sung to a familiar American folk tune. Lyrics and sample sheet music. Midi file of tune.
ATFG510 Sing a song of praise and glory / Advent News (Schmidt) A fun and simple advent song - would be good any week of Advent, but fits particularly well this week.
Psalm 122
Glad to go to God's house - pray for peace - suggestions for the Hebrew Scripture Lesson would also fit well.
NCH741 I was glad when they said unto me (Wooten) Very simple and straightforward chorus for this Psalm.
CH83 / URW321 I Rejoiced when I heard them say (Farrell) Highly recommended. A really lovely and simple to sing arrangement of this Psalm, with a chorus of "Shalom, shalom, the peace of God be here. Shalom, shalom, God's justice be ever near". URW suggests passing the peace during the refrain if desired. You can also use the refrain on its own.
Emergent Psalter Because of the house of the Lord your God (Everett) A good and simple Psalm refrain. Refrain only for download. Book seems to be most affordable through The Book Depository (US) at the moment for Australians.
AoV1-190 / UMH431 / HPP308 / G(II)529 / GC731 / GC(II)723 / W&R614 / Cha677 Let There Be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me (Miller/Jackson) Well known, and great for older kids. AoV changes "Brothers all are we, let me walk with my brother" to "We are family. Let us walk with each other". Lyrics.
G(II)108 / GC121 I Was Glad when they said to me (Haas) A pretty decent arrangement of this Psalm. I'm not terribly inspired by it, but it's fine really. Sheet music and lyrics. Midi.
Cha761 God has made me glad (von Brethorst) This is a psalm response using that old chorus probably best known as "He has made me glad". I think this could work fairly well as it would be very familiar, particularly for slightly older congregations.
Romans 13:11-14
The day is near. Live honourably
NCH112 Keep awake be always ready (Clyde) Yes, it works for this reading too. Excellent words about Christ's coming to bring peace. It's sung to the tune for "Wake awake for night is flying", but is not simply a "rewrite". I particularly like the second verse of this one. "Rise and shine for One is coming whose love will quench all nature's thirsting to be made whole for evermore".
ATOK 390 Put on love every day, never hide your love away (Walker) A groovy song for kids!
CH276 / VU22 / ELW262 / GA283 / G(II)256 / GC332 / GC(II)340 / CP094 / W&R166 / URW396 Wait for the Lord (Berthier) Very well known Taize chant. I prefer to sing "Wait for the Lord, WHOSE day is near", which is in many publications, but not all.
TiS 630 / AHB 554 The law of Christ alone can make us free (McAuley) …and love is the fulfilling of the law. A good song with excellent words from an Australian poet.
NCH590 / CH621 Spirit of Jesus, if I love my neighbour. Challenging words of offering help from a position of privilege and seeking to be set free from the entrapment of possessions “If I am hugging safety or possessions, uncurl my spirit as your love prevails, to join my neighbours, work for liberation, and find my freedom at the mark of nails”. Could also be sung to the tune PERFECT LOVE if your congregation woudl have trouble with the newer tune.
ATW 498 / Iona (T1AU) / MV 196 We will take what you offer. An excellent simple short song that works well either as an upbeat chorus or as a reflective chant. "We will take what you offer. We will live by your word. We will love one another. And be fed by you Lord". Sound sample here.
TiS 416 Great God your Spirit like the wind (Gaunt) Excellent words asking for God to shake us out of our complacency and give us compassion. I really wish it was set to a different tune - it is set to JERUSALEM and this seems to suck all the power out of the lyrics for me. It works with MAGNIFICAT (TiS173) which is fairly straightforward so I would try that if it's not too confusing for the congregation.
Matthew 24:36-44No-one knows the day or the hour. Keep awake! Be ready!
See the General Advent suggestions.
NCH112 Keep awake be always ready (Clyde) And it works for this reading too! Excellent words about Christ's coming to bring peace. It's sung to the tune for "Wake awake for night is flying", but is not simply a "rewrite". I particularly like the second verse of this one. "Rise and shine for One is coming whose love will quench all nature's thirsting to be made whole for evermore".
MV19 Maranatha (Skibsted) This simple chant, simply “Maranatha, Maranatha, Come Lord Jesus, come” makes a lovely meditation or prayer song.
Recorded music I want to be ready when Jesus comes (Dottie Peoples) This could be fun if you have a little gospel choir and it fits the reading really well. Youtube. Lyrics.
Recorded Music I want to be ready (Ben Harper) I love Ben Harper, and this will work for some congregations, but I don't know if I want to put on a long white robe... Sound sample on youtube.
TiS 272 / AHB 200 / NCH122 / CH472 / UMH196 / VU002 / LBW030 / ELW254 / HPP89 / PH001/PH002 / GC323 / GC(II)345 / RS 496 / CP088 / CP(E) 24 / W&R153 / Cha125 / URW101 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Wesley) Most versions of this old hymn are quite inclusive, although still quite old fashioned.
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