Songs, Hymns & Music for Advent 4C (19 December 2021)

As well as the songs listed below, there are many other Advent songs you could sing. Here is a list of general Advent suggestions.

Micah 5:2-5a
The one of peace will come from the small clan of Judah in Bethlehem. Prophets foretold it.

• TiS 621 / UMH435 / VU677 / LBW416 / ELW748 / GtG756 / PH289 / GC(II)717 / G(3)825 /  CP593 / W&R626 / Cha680 / 82Hml-607 O God of Every Nation (William Reid) Powerful words seeking God's redemption of the world. Can be sung to LLANGLOFFAN or PASSION CHORALE, both very familiar hymn tunes. Lyrics and sheet music. Go look at the lyrics just to bring a smile to your face. So much hope! New words to old tunes.
• Iona (M&G) / ATAR609 / 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, sheet music and sound sample. Good for kids.
• TiS 283 / HPP87 / CP(E) 58 / W&R167 / Srce2-382 / Lau116 / StF178 Long ago prophets knew (Fred Pratt Green) I’m never sure if I like this one, but lots of other people do and it fits the reading this week well. Suitable if you choose to focus on Christ as being the prophet who was foretold. Lyrics. New words to old tunes. 
• AoV2-089 / Taize / MV086 / SFFS 2156 Give peace to every heart / Da Pacem Cordium (Jacques Berthier) A good, simple Taize chant. Sound samples, sheet music (not cantor lines though)  

Luke 1:46b-55
The magnificat! Yay! The magnificat!

 

Settings / Interpretations of the Magnificat

• MV120 / StS124 / R245 / ELW723 / HPP88 / GtG100 / G(II)376 / GC556 / GC(II)527 / G(3)622 / PfAS075B / URW018 My soul cries out with a joyful shout (Canticle of the Turning) (Rory Cooney) This is my favourite Magnificat! "Could the world be about to turn?" It's sung to a folk tune (STAR OF THE COUNTY DOWN). Lyrics & Sheet music samples. New words to old tunes. 
• GA250 / StF060 My soul rejoices / Canticle of Mary (Owen Alstott) A simple, formal hymnlike Magnificat. Lyrics and pretty slow sound sample. 
  
• Online Resource / TiS 172 / NCH119 / UMH198 / VU899 / GtG099 / PfAS1042 / Cha130 My soul gives glory to my God (John Mueller) Simple and beautiful words to a simple and beautiful tune. Inclusive lyrics. Lyrics (plus lyrics to lots of other magnificats). Scroll down and look for "ecumenical". I recommend the newer translation by Mary Louise Bringle, which can be seen, heard, and purchased here.
• Online resource Magnificat (Bruce Harding) A fun magnificat, using the Latin phrase “Magnificat amina mea deum”. I think our musicians would like this one! Sound sample. Free sheet music.
  
• HiOS101 My heart is leaping (Marion Kitchingman) Good words, and a joyful tune.  
• Taizé / Iona (T1AU) / StS012 / GA545 / GC(II)522 / G(3)630 / PfAS1018 Magnificat “Magnificat amina mea dominum” (Jacques Berthier) 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 (Sing out my soul), 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.
• ATAR639 / GC(II)782 / Lau338 My Soul Proclaims your Greatness O God (from Holden Evening Prayer) (Marty Haugen) Nice, simple to sing. Sheet music sample (you'll need to scroll through). Lyrics (where it says "Magnificat". 
• Online Resource / GWA094 My soul sings in gratitude (Joy Cowley) No tune! This is a poem, which would be lovely to have read (preferably by a young woman) to your congregation. Poem.

Songs that relate to this passage, but are not the Magnificat

• CH141 / A&M548 / SP250 / URW077 / StF114 Oh the life of the world is a joy and a treasure (Kathy Galloway) This is not a Magnificat, but holds some similar concepts! Good inclusive words about God's presence in "the life of the world" (nature, seasons, childbirth, justice). The tune is a simple Celtic-style melody. Lyrics.  
• VU323 Maker of the sun and moon and mother of the earth (Peter Sharrocks) Wonderful inclusive words, and a beautiful tune, that for me sounds a lot like "Lord Jesus Christ, Lover of All" so melodically ties Advent in with Maundy Thursday and Good Friday. You may like to sing it this Sunday and leave the last verse until Christmas day. Highly recommended. Lyrics
• Online Resource Christmas come close (Shirley Murray) Excellent words, sung to a simple hymnlike tune with some really beautiful images about difficult things and the hope that Christmas brings. A sad song, but with plenty of hope. Sheet music and lyrics.
• Online Resource The lowly will be lifted up (Carolyn Winfrey-Gillette) The magnificat imagery with a call to continue the work of Christ with the openness of Mary. Sung to a familiar tune. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• Online Resource God make us agents of joyful rebellion (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody) Joy as a tool of rebellion, and our role as modern-day prophets. Set to a new tune, which is lovely to sing. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.     
• Online Resource A word went out to Mary (Hannah Brown) Beautiful new poetry, with floral imagery, set to the tune ES IST EIN ROS' ENTSPRUNGEN. Sheet music sample and lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes. 
• ACS907 Filled with hope and gratitude (Paul Damico-Carper) Good new words, sung to a simple tune (that sounds a bit like Loch Lomond). I like that the first and last verse specifically reference breastfeeding. Lyrics. Sound sample (with a bit of dancing). 
• Online Resource / GWA091 Centuries of waiting / The Angels Say (Margaret McLarty / Stephen Fischbacher / Suzanne Butler) A fun song, with lots of verses and a stirring chorus. You could just choose the one with Zechariah in it for this week. I would make the verses alternating between a cantor and chorus, just like this recording, as the first and third lines are a little tricky in meter. It doesn't have to sound like a kid's song as it does in the video. Lyric video and purchasing options. Good for kids.
• Online Resource Mary did you know? (Jennifer Henry) This not the original, which was a bit odd (reader, Mary did know), and it's not a congregational song. It is a new set of lyrics to the original tune by Buddy Greene. They really pick up on how Mary could not have known that her song would have lasted so long. It's quite wonderful. Sound sample and lyrics. I especially love this version.
  
• CH291 When out of poverty is born (Kathy Galloway) An excellent set of words for Advent that reflects on God's good news for the poor and the strength of Mary's faith. Set to the familiar tune KINGSFOLD. Lyrics (downloads PDF) New words to old tunes.
• Online Resource Advent begins in the darkness of night (David Bjorlin / Benjamin Brody) A haunting tune and beautiful words of Advent beginning in a place of darkness. Sheet music for purchase and download. Sound sample.
• MV134 There was a child in Galilee / Dreaming Mary (Janet Gadeski) This is a thoughtful, imaginative song of Mary, which would be best sung by a soloist, with the words made available for the congregation to ponder. Lyrics (scroll down past the videos, but make sure you watch the "Parody of a Modern Worship Service" video on the way down)
• A&M185 / GC(II)362 / G(3)434 / SP069 Dark is the night / Sing Alleluia (Francis Patrick O'Brien) Excellent and simple Christmas song which reflects the magnificat and the happiness of Jesus’ parents. I especially like the last verse “Hope for the poor, release for the captive, Love for the outcast, light for weary eyes; Word that brings life, embracing humanity, Jesus, companion be born into our lives”. It would be particularly good for a Christmas eve service. The chorus would also work very nicely on its own. Lead sheet and lyrics. Sound sample.
• W&R172 For Ages Women Hoped and Prayed (Jane Parker Huber) This is one of those "Coming, but already here songs" of Advent, and could be sung at other times of year, too. Thought-provoking words about what it may have been like for Mary to bear Christ. Lyrics. Set to VOX DILECTI, but could be sung to other tunes. It fits New Britain (the tune for Amazing Grace) quite nicely. New words to old tunes. 
• Online Resource / GW095 Holy holy holy O Wisdom from on high / Blessed and Holy (Bernadette Farrell) This is a setting of some of the O Antiphons which are sung with the Magnificat in the last week prior to Christmas in some traditions. They speak of our hope in Jesus to transform the world. This setting is easy to sing and has great words. Sound and sheet music samples and purchasing options. 

Alternative to the Magnificat: Psalm 80:1-7
Restore us, let your face shine that we may be saved. 

• TiS 265 / AHB 193 / AoV1-174 / NCH116 / CH273 / UMH211 / VU001 / LBW034 / ELW283 / GA285 / HPP92 / GtG088 / PH009 / GC317 / GC(II)323 / G(3)395 / CP089 / CP(E) 32 / W&R154 / Cha119 / 82Hml-056 / Lau112 / StF280 / MP493 O come O come Emmanuel (Psalerolium Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent carol. Most versions are pretty inclusive. Lyrics, 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. Oldy-but-a-goody. 
• CH573 / UMH523 / GtG789 / PfAS061B / STB059 Jesus Savior Lord lo to thee I fly / Saranam Saranam (Daniel Niles) I think this would be an excellent song to sing, not only because the words are good and because the tune is simple and beautiful, but because we need to keep praying for the people of Sri Lanka. You could use just the refrain if you would like a short song - it works quite well on its own.  Story.  Lyrics & chords.
• TiS 42 / GA047 Lord make us turn to you, let us see your face and we shall be saved (Kathleen Boschetti) A simple refrain and mostly inclusive cantor part. We have sung this at Brunswick some years ago 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.
• PfAS080C O Shepherd hear and lead your flock (Michael Morgan) Strong mournful and formal words to the rather Christmassy tune ST LOUIS. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• Tune In / Online Resource Longing for you (Elaine Loukes) A simple chant of longing for God. Free downloadable songbook, lyrics and sound samples. Good for kids.
• W&R632 / Cha512 When Aimless Violence Takes Those We Love (Joy Patterson) Excellent words for a time of grieving violent death; this won't suit most congregations, but perhaps there is one who needs it this Advent. It's sung to the well known tune SURSUM CORDA. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• Emergent Psalter Restore us God (Isaac Everett) Another good refrain and read Psalm with instrumental backing. I'm still loving this book. Sheet music (refrain only, click on the Downloads tab)
• Tune In / Online Resource Our God who weeps (Kate Scull) Very simple folk-like tune and challenging and hopeful lyrics. "When death has taken those held dear"... Free downloadable songbook.
• Online Resource Restore us (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A hopeful contemporary song. This is simple enough for a congregation to sing the first time, I think, but if you're feeling less hopeful about the singing ability of your congregation, they could just join in on the VERY simple chorus! Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
• Online Resource / AoVK-29 Remember we are your people (Tony 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. Sound sample, sheet music sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
• VU239 O great Spirit how I long to hear (Doreen Clellamin) Written by a First Nations Canadian woman, this very simple song would be best with a good hand-clapping rhythm or drumming. Lyrics (in an order of service). 
• StJ / G(II)346 / GC506 / GC(II)508 / G(3)586 You Are All We Have (Francis Patrick O'Brien) A nice refrain and good cantor parts. Somewhat formal. Sound sample, sheet music sample and a different sound sample.
• NCH563 / MV143 / HPP260 / GC710 / GC(II)703 / G(3)811 / RS 636 / Cha684 / URW169 / Lau688 We cannot own the sunlit sky / Abundant life (Ruth 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. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• Psalm Project (2010) Shout for Joy Turn and restore us (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) This is a little bit country. Very cool, and I think a younger congregation would probably pick this up fairly quickly. Sound sample.    
• G(II)69 / GC74 The vineyard of the Lord (Michael Guimont) A very simple refrain and read or cantored Psalm. Sample refrain music and lyrics. Sound sample.

Hebrews 10:5-10
Christ did God's will.

• Iona (Common Ground, M&G, T1AU) / CH805 / MV151 / StJ / A&M412  / ELW741 / G(II)416 / GC592 / SP210 / URW440 / StF760 Your will be done on earth, O Lord / Mayenziwe 'ntando yakho (South African - Xhosa) This is a really good South African song, simple to sing, beautiful harmonies and would work well for reflection for reflection, sung slowly. Maybe it could even be sung in a minor key? Sound sample. Good for kids.
• Lost resource I delight to do your will (Dean Spalding) I am a little entranced with this lovely simple chant that Dean Spalding sent through. It's designed for repetitive singing, and builds beautifully with a number of (optional) parts. Unfortunately it's not online anymore and I can't find it. This is here to remind me to look for it more diligently some day. 
• 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. 

Luke 1:39-45, (46-55)
Mary and Elizabeth, but not the Annunciation (then the Magnificat).
Not many songs out there for this story....

• Online Resource Praise God who lives within you (Hannah Brown) This song imagines Elizabeth's response to Mary's visit. It can be sung to a range of different tunes, including some that are familiar. Lyrics. PDF for purchase with one possible tune. New words to old tunes.
  
• Online Resource Hey Mary! (Malcolm Gordon & Samuel Gordon) A lovely children's song about the annunciation. It captures the surprise and the universality of God's arrival to each of us. Youtube and sheet music.
• VU012 She walked in the summer / The Visit (Miriam Therese Winter) I think the first two verses of this are really lovely, though more suited to a soloist than a congregation. I'm not wild about the rest, sadly. Lyrics (scroll down).
• Taizé / 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 (Taize) 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!  Good for kids (and kids like Latin sometimes!) For Advent you may like to change it to "Christ will come" if singing in English. Sound sample and lyrics.
  
• CH291 When out of poverty is born (Kathy Galloway) An excellent set of words for Advent that reflects on God's good news for the poor and the strength of Mary's faith. Set to the familiar tune KINGSFOLD. Sound sample. New words to old tunes. 
• 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.
• GC(II)781 O Mary of Promise (Steven Warner) A lovely song to a gentle tune. This will probably be too Marian for some, but not for me.  Lyrics and leader sheet. Sound sample. 
• Recorded music Heaven When We're Home (Wailin' Jennys) Something about this song makes me think of Advent. The idea that we're not sure what we're looking for, or even whether and where we should be looking, but we know that our hope is not ill-founded. It's a beautiful song, so enjoy it regardless. Sound sample.

What will you be singing? Add a comment below...