Numbers 6:22-27
The Aaronic blessing
- AoV1-177 / GA441 / Online Resource May God Bless and keep you
(Christopher Walker, England / USA) Simple and inclusive Aaronic blessing that has words everyone
can understand. I strongly suggest having a look at this one as an
alternative to the standard Aaronic blessing. Sound sample & sheet music for download.
- TiS 776(ii) / AHB 572 The Lord bless you and keep you (various tunes, traditional words) The Australian hymn books have two settings for the Aaronic blessing. I prefer tune (ii) rather than the chant version. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Iona (Love From Below) The Lord bless you and keep you (The
Iona Community, Scotland) This is a very nice, but very tricky setting of the
standard Aaronic blessing words. It’s more something you would ask your
choir to sing, if you have one!
- MV218 / GtG549 / STB315 May the love of the Lord / Wei yuan shen di ai (Maria Poh Choo Ling) Lovely alternative words to a simple Chinese melody. It will need to be taught, but is not too hard. Lyrics (on p7 of a PDF).
- CH796 The Lord bless you and keep you (Lowell Mason, USA) Standard words to a tune by Lowell Mason.
- CH785 May god bless you (Aaronic blessing adapted) A nice alternative, and quite simple tune
- Iona (SBL) / CH787 / PH596 / G(II)413 / GC589 / CP661 / URW445 May the Lord Mighty God (Pao-chen Li) Many of these sources are quite masculine, but URW is very good. Sung to a traditional Chinese melody. Lyrics and lead sheet. Sound sample.
- AoV2-089 / Taizé / MV086 / SFFS 2156 Give peace to every heart / Da Pacem Cordium (Jacques Berthier, France) A good, simple Taizé chant. Sound samples, sheet music (not cantor lines though).
- STB080 May the Lord gracious God bless and keep you forever / Yuan quan-neng zhu shang-di (I-toh Loh, Taiwan) This is quite lovely, and when sung in two parts would be really special. You would need to teach it, or to have your musicians sing it often until the congregation get to know it; if someone can sing in Mandarin, that would be particularly nice. Sheet music sample.
Psalm 8
How majestic!
-
Emergent Psalter O God our sovereign (Isaac Everett) A lovely simple Psalm response and read Psalm over an instrumental backing. Sheet music (refrain only - click on "Downloads" tab)
- AoVK-50 / ATW 430 / NCYC'99 Come let us praise our God / A voice is heard (Trisha Watts, Australia) Excellent and energetic. Lyrics and synthesizer sound sample. Good for kids.
- Online ResourceHow Great is your name! (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A fun Psalm refrain for kids with a cantor part. Good for kids. Sound sample and sheet music.
-
TiS 163 / AHB 112 / NCH556 / UMH150 / LBW463 / ELW771 / GtG024 / PH268 / W&R644 / Cha651 / URW084 / 82Hml-580 God who stretched the spangled heavens
(Catherine Cameron) Good words of creation of nature and cities and creative possibilities
for the future. AHB has a Father and old language, but it works okay;
TiS and other sources are better. There are many possible tunes. I like
it best to HOLY MANNA as in the link. Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes.
-
PfAS008E O Lord Our Lord how majestic is your name (Alfred Fedak) Psalm response. Sound sample (includes plainchant cantor part).
- Online Resource As rivers flow from a distant spring (David
Bjorlin / William Beckstrand) Beautiful words using imagery of creation
to inspire us to lives based in God's love that care for others,
including the earth. Not easy to sing, so maybe better to have a soloist sing it. Sound sample. Book available to purchase and download here.
-
CH005 / PfAS008D / URW231 / StF112 O Lord our Lord throughout the earth
(John Bell) A lovely hymnlike version of the Psalm, set to a
traditional Scottish tune. I like the questioning nature of this hymn. Sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource For all things worth praising
(David Bjorlin, USA) Lovely poetic words celebrating all the vast and all the small elements of creation. Sung to
the familiar tune THE ASH GROVE. Don't take it too fast, or the poetry will be lost! Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
-
ATW 462 When I consider God's design (Hand in hand)
(Norm Habel) Good words of all creation celebrating together. Tune is
good, too, but will need to be introduced, perhaps by asking your
musicians to sing the first verse and inviting the congregation to join
in. The verse about "Black and white" could probably be updated a bit to
reflect a greater diversity of cultures. Sound sample and lyrics.
-
VU730 / URW229 God our God your glorious name (William Sherwin) Inclusive paraphrase of the Psalm with a joyous chorus. Lyrics (old version).
-
AoVK-113 Thank you O Lord for this world of ours (Barr) A good kids song in two parts. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / AoV1-003 / HPP258 / GA394 / G(II)342 / GC497 / GC(II)495 / G(3)576 / Lau693 / StF803 / MP648 The heavens are telling the glory of God / Canticle of the Sun
(Marty Haugen) Energetic waltz of cosmic praise with great lyrics "Come
dance in the forest, come play in the field, and sing, sing to the glory
of the Lord". Sound sample, sheet music samples, and purchasing options.
- VU732 O God our God how glorious is your name (Michel Guimont) Inclusive responsive paraphrase of the Psalm with a simple refrain.
- GWA088 Bright morning maker
(Marjorie Dobson, England) This song about God's presence in the
morning, daytime, evening, and night talk of God's presence among us
throughout our days. The tune is not easy. Lyrics.
- TiS
90 / AHB 44 / UMH60 / VU867 / GtG806 / PH253 / A&M673
/ CP346 / CP(E) 473 / W&R79 / Cha20 / PfAS146A / 82Hml-429 /
StF079 / MP320 I'll praise my Maker while I've breath (Isaac Watts) A great classic hymn. Most sources are not inclusive; Voices United and Chalice hymnal are! Lyrics and sheet music samples. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- NCH Psalter008 How majestic is your name in all the earth (Lee Dengler) A very simple refrain and chanted Psalm.
- Online Resource The Heavens Tell of Your Creative Glory / Los Cielos Cuentan la Gloria de Diosome
(Horacio Vivares transl. David Bjorlin) An excellent folk song. Best
for Spanish-speaking congregations, but works in English too. Sound sample. Songbook for purchase.
Galatians 4:4-7
Being adopted children of God
- Online Resource / TiS 465 / AHB 399 / ATA 115 / NCH279 / A&M271 / Iona (SBL) / CH116 / GA381 / Lau313 / StF004 Our God in heaven / Father in heaven / Loving Creator grant to your children
(Daniel T Niles, Sri Lanka / Elena Maquiso, Philippines) I really like this hymn, especially the Filipino
folk melody to which it's set. Newer versions of the hymn from the
Christian Conference of Asia have altered the lyrics to "Our God in
heaven / Creator God" in the first verse. Other versions, such as CH4
have "Loving Creator / Parent and God". Older style lyrics, sheet music and sound samples.
- Online Resource / TiS
417 / AoV2-133 / ATW 448 / VU387 / StJ / WoV683 / ELW397 / AA94 /
HPP237 / GtG293 / PH323 / CP657 / W&R135 / Cha244 / URW203 / StB220 / VF051 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. Lyrics and sheet music (another tune!). New words to old tunes.
- MV157 I am a child of God (Bruce Harding, Canada) A simple song with powerful words. Good for kids and adults alike. Very easy to learn. Lyric video. Good for kids.
- CH329 / AA108 / CoC33 O little Love who comes again / Peace Carol
(Shirley Murray, New Zealand) A lovely gentle and thoughtful Christmas song, which would
also work for Epiphany and the Christmas season. It fits well with this
reading. Lyrics.
- Online Resource / 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 Hark the herald angels sing (Charles Wesley, England) One of those carols that we sing pretty much every year at Brunswick. Lyrics, sheet music and sound sample. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Alternative Epistle: Philippians 2:5-11
-
Online Resource / GWA167 Who is this one gritty and tough / A little more (Stephen Fischbacher, Scotland / Suzanne Butler, Scotland / Margaret McLarty, Scotland) A fun song about the many faceted nature of Jesus' life and a catchy chorus asking whether we can be a little more like him. Brief sound sample and purchasing options. Full song in lyric video. Good for kids.
- 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) I think you all know this one. Lyrics. NCH has a nice turn on the lyrics with "Won't you let me be your servant?" as the first line. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS 236 / AHB 178 / CH351 / UMH273 / VU570 / HPP157 / W&R634 Jesus' hands were kind hands
(Margaret Cropper) Good old fashioned children's song. Lots of kids learn to play this on
piano, so if you have some budding piano students in your
congregation, it may be nice to invite one to play. Sheet music & lyrics. Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody.
- NCH590 / CH621 Spirit of Jesus, if I love my neighbour (Brian Wren) 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
would have trouble with the newer tune. Sheet music & lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 691 Faith will not grow from words alone
(Elizabeth Smith) This is an excellent hymn about doubting and struggling in
faith. The tune is familiar and I find the words very helpful for
thinking and doubting Christians. Lyrics (downloads an order of service).
- TiS
640 / AHB 561 / ATE 310 / NCH498 / UMH432 / VU593 / WoV765 / ELW708 /
HPP446 / GtG203 / PH367 / G(II)296 / GC409 / GC(II)429 / G(3)505 / CP504
/ W&R273 / Cha600 / URW116 / 82Hml-602 / Lau241 / StF249 Jesu Jesu fill us with your love / Kneels at the feet of his friends (Tom Colvin & people of Ghana) Lyrics. Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS 174 / UMH194 / A&M544 / CP(E)259 / 82Hml-585 / StF012 Morning glory starlit sky (William Hubert Vanstone) Quite formal words, but very very beautiful song of God's
boundless love "Drained is love in making full, bound in setting others
free, poor in making many rich, weak in giving power to be". Not all sources are inclusive. The tune is
not difficult, but will need to be taught to a congregation if not
familiar. The lyrics could also be read as a poem, and challenges the
image of Christ as monarch, but also affirms God's reign. Lyrics.
- TiS 721 / Iona (LFB) / URW431 / StF344 / Lau124 He became poor that we may be rich (Iona)
A simple chant. Timing is a little bit tricky, so you will need to take
a little time to teach it initially. This has gorgeous parts if you
have some singers. Sound sample (instrumental).
- Online Resource / MV155 Unbounded spirit breath of God (Brian Wren) Good solid words of commitment to faith and work; a communal song. Simple hymnlike tune. Lyrics & sheet music.
- Online Resource / Walk as One Come come come come together (David MacGregor) A boppy song about working together - a good song for sending out the congregation. Lyric video. Sheet music for purchase.
- Online Resource / CH348 / StS001 / LBW196 / ELW843 / A&M762 / G(3)625 / CP397 / W&R93 / SP304 / URW090 Praise the One Who Breaks the Darkness
(Rusty Edwards) Good words of Christ's ministry to all. Can be sung to the
familiar tune NETTLETON, or the less familiar and very lovely tune JOEL. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes .
- AHB 168 / NCH166 / A&M675 / CP(E) 475 / MP328 Immortal love for ever full
(John Greenleaf Whittier) Not all versions are inclusive. This is an
older style hymn. A beautiful choral version with video (tune is different to hymnals, but the lyrics are the same). Thist would be nice to listen to!
- Taizé / MV075 / StS079 / SFFS 2118 / GtG284 / GC(II)479 / G(3)547 / SP99 / URW395 Holy Spirit Come to Us / Veni sancte spiritus tui amoris (Jacques Berthier) Best if you have a cantor, but works well if you don't, too. Sheet music, translations, sound samples.
- TiS 341 / AHB 257 / NCH222 / CH399 / VU143 / A&M147 / WoV661 / LBW094 /
ELW782 / SFFS 2083 / HPP329 / GtG209 / PH076 / CP184 / CP(E) 112 /
Srce2-426 / 82Hml-458 / Lau752 / StF277 / MP478 My song is love unknown
(Samuel Crossman) I really love this old and beautiful song. I prefer it sung
to LOVE UNKNOWN. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
- Online Resource / Worldmaking O Christ, Lamb of God (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A more modern Agnus Dei, with Christ sharing our weakness. Lyrics and sound sample.
- TiS
242 / AHB 183 / AoV1-018 / ATN 27 / CH404 / UMH261 / VU352 / A&M667 / HPP163 /
GtG157 / PH302 / G(II)481 / GC708 / GC(II)689 / G(3)796 / CP(E) 468 / W&R118 / Lau765 / StF247 I danced in the morning / Lord of the Dance (Sydney Carter). Lyrics and tidbits of info.You all know this one, right? For Passion Sunday, it may be best to
stop this partway through, and sing the rest on Easter Sunday. Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody.
- GtB God is love and love is giving (Ross Langmead)
A simple kids' song about God's love. A round. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- Tune In / Online Resource O Spirit God to you we pray / In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown) A cry to God for help. Free downloadable songbook and sound samples.
- Online resource / MV047 Born in human likeness (Bruce Harding) A simple Christmas round. Sheet music. Good for kids.
Luke 2:15-21
The angels sing; the shepherds arrive!
Here's a big list of Christmas carols to choose from.
It's the season of Christmas, so sing some Christmas Carols and Songs
Isaiah 63:7-9
God's presence saves God's children in distress. See also suggestions for Hebrews reading, below....
- Iona / G(II)359 / StF324 / Lau739 In a Byre Near Bethlehem / For the Good of us all (John Bell, Scotland A challenging song that places the birth of Christ in the context of salvation; sung to a familiar folk tune (WILD MOUNTAIN THYME). Sample sheet music and lyrics. Keyboard sound sample.New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / GtG619 / URW075 Praise my soul the God of Heaven (Henry Francis Lyte, Scotland / adapted by Ecumenical Women's Center 1974, USA) This is an inclusive rewrite of Praise My Soul the King of Heaven. I'm not wild about it personally, but you may still find it useful and appropriate for your congregation. Lyrics.
Psalm 148
All creation sings God's praise
- GWA023 Silver skeins of angel hair / Raise an Alleluia
(Margaret McLarty) Beautiful words to be sung by a leader with the congregation joining on Alleluias and the chorus. Some
Scottish words too! I am quite in love with the lightness and joy of it. Sound sample and lyrics (track 2).
- Online Resource / GWA156 Let the birds sing / Music Maker
(Stephen Fischbacher) A simple and thoughtful song of all creation singing God's praise; reflective. Short sound sample and actions. Sheet music sample and purchasing options. Good for kids.
- Online Resource / 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 / StF330 / MP393 Joy to the world The Lord is come
(Isaac Watts) It's Christmas! Sing Christmas carols! This one is
especially good (even though it's not REALLY a Christmas Carol). Lyrics & sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Online Resource / AoV2-120 / AoVK-009 God Is Good let the sun and moon and stars say "God is Good"
(Kathy Chan) Fun. Not easy, but probably worth the effort if you feel like
learning something new, or giving your musicians a challenge. Lyrics. Sound sample, sheet music sample, purchasing options. Good for kids (but I don't think it has to sound as childish as the sound sample).
- GtG018 / PfAS148E Hallelujah sing praise to your creator
(Tilly Lubis, Indonesia) Joyful words set to a traditional Indonesian melody
(NYANYIKANLAH NYANYIAN BARU). GtG is more inclusive than PfAS. Sound sample (youtube).
- TiS 715 / Srce2-112 Everything that has breath
(Traditional Czech / trans. Eva Greig) A lovely simple round, set to
the tune of "Ah poor bird". Would be a really nice relaxing start to
worship. Good for kids. New words to old tunes
- PH274 O God of Earth and Space
(Jane Parker Huber) Terrific words by Jane Parker Huber to a well known Jewish hymn
tune (LEONI). "Wherever freedom reigns, where sin is overthrown, Where justice
fused with mercy rules, there you are known. Give us the courage clear,
to make the earth a home, For all to live in harmony, in Christ’s
shalom." Highly recommended. lyrics.New words to old tunes
- TiS 281 / AHB 214 When God Almighty came to be one of us
(Michael Hewlett) This is a great Christmas season song, particularly
for Epiphany next
week also. It’s also set to a very easy (and fun) tune to sing
(URQUHART). Apparently it also fits to Waltzing Matilda, though I don't
recommend that (thanks Peter!). I especially love verse 3 "Sing all you
wise men, dance all the scientists whether your
theories are false or true. God uses knowledge, God uses ignorance. God
at his coming had a need of you". Lyrics.
- GtG017 Sing praise to God you heavens (Herman Stuempfle) A fairly standard paraphrase of the Psalm. I just love the
singing planets, and the mountains thrusting skywards. Ah, it's a
good'un. Oh, and the sheep. I like those singing sheep. Sheet music & lyrics.
- ATW 422 / NCYC'99 And you sun and moon and stars (Canticle of Daniel) (Don Stewart) This is a big favourite in our congregation. It has wonderful energy and excellent lyrics. Lyric video.
- Online Resource / TiS 187 / AoV2-130 / CH149 / StS122 / A&M539 / SP247 Let all creation dance (Brian Wren) I just love the imagery of this one, and it's a very joyous and familiar hymn tune too. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 181 / AoV2-032 / GC(II)497 / G(3)577 / CP589 Come O God of all the earth / Sing Out Earth and Skies
(Marty Haugen) A very joyful song for cantor and congregation, or small group
and congregation; this is a big favourite in our church. Sheet music, lyrics and sound sample.
- ATE 216 / Iona (SBL) / CH126 / StJ / PH472 / G(II)365 / GC527 / RS 671 / CP417 / W&R15 / StF042 O sing to the Lord / Cantai ao Senhor / Cantad
al Señor (Traditional Brazilian) A good, fun and simple song that is
easy to learn in Portuguese or Spanish too; note that not all versions
are inclusive. Sheet music samples.
Good for kids.
- TiS
152 / NCH4 / UMH89 / VU232 / LBW551 / ELW836 / HPP22 / GtG611 / PH464 / GC529 /
GC(II)520 / G(3)614 / CP425 / W&R59 / Cha002 / URW065 / 82Hml-376 Joyful joyful we adore thee
(Henry van Dyke) Note that this hymn is not always very inclusive. I
prefer more modern translations (e.g. TiS, VU, NCH, GC(II) ). Older version lyrics and tune sample. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS
755 / ATA 196 / CH804 / VU884 / SFFS 2278 / A&M484 / HPP219 /
GTG080 / CP662 / W&R710 / SP82 / Srcs830 / URW449 / Lau878 / STF487 / MP796 You shall go out with joy / The trees of the field (Stuart Dauermann and Steffi Rubins) This is a good hand clappy foot stomping song. Fun. Here's a dance you could do. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
Hebrews 2:10-18
The suffering of Christ for salvation of the children of God
- TiS 319 / AHB 241 / CH314 / Lau141 / MP071 Child in the manger infant of Mary / Leanabh an àigh (Mary Macdonald, Scotland / translated Lachlan McBean, Scotland) 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.
- Tune In / Online Resource In the shape of a cross (Dave Brown, Australia) A cry to God for help and a call for God to enter our world. Reference recording, lyrics and free downloadable songbook.
- Iona / G(II)359 / StF324 / Lau739 In a Byre Near Bethlehem / For the Good of us all
(John Bell, Scotland) A challenging song that places the birth of Christ in the
context of salvation; sung to a familiar folk tune (WILD MOUNTAIN
THYME). Sample sheet music and lyrics. Keyboard sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / TiS
387 / CH416 / UMH318 / VU158 / LBW363 / ELW389 /
A&M199 / GtG246 / PH108 / CP(E) 140 / W&R312 / 82Hml-182 / Lau272 / StF297 Christ is alive Let Christians sing
(Brian Wren, USA) Excellent words of Christ's saving, and still relevant grace. A
couple of tunes are offered in different hymn books. I prefer TRURO. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- TiS 477 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH510 / StJ / GA529 / A&M450 / CP059 / SP218 / URW056 / StF028 Jesus calls us here to meet him as through word and song and prayer (John Bell, Scotland) Good
words and a rollicking or gentle Celtic tune (depending on how you play
it!). Don't get too gentle though, or it is very hard to sing. Notice
that there should not need to be a breath after EVERY line! Lyrics
(downloads a PDF) 4th verse (not in TiS, but in Iona
sources) leads to communion. “Jesus calls us to confess him Word of life
and Lord of all, sharer of our flesh and frailness saving all who fail
or fall”. Sound sample.
- TiS 721 / Iona (LFB) / URW431 / StF344 / Lau124 He became poor that we may be rich (John Bell, Scotland / Graham Maule, Scotland)
A simple chant. Timing is a little bit tricky, so you will need to take
a little time to teach it initially. This has gorgeous parts if you
have some singers. Sound sample.
Matthew 2:13-23
The flight into Egypt, the slaughter of the innocents and the return to Israel
- Online Resource / VU77 / PH035 / GtG153 / 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. The phrase "but down the ages rings the cry of those who saw their
children die" is so powerful. There are two possible tunes. The one by
Mary Louise Bringle is suitably solemn and simple;
somewhat formal. There is also a more gentle tune from Ana Hernández. This seems particularly appropriate in 2024. Sheet music (Hernández) & lyrics and purchasing options. Choral version (Bringle) samples and purchasing options.
- Online Resource / Protest of Praise When Pharaoh came for children (David Bjorlin) Parallels between Pharoah, Herod and our call to care for
children when they are a target of unequal government policy; sung to
the traditional tune ES KOMMT EIN SCHIFF GELADEN. Lyrics, sheet music sample and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / Protest of Praise Remember God your promises (David
Bjorlin) Sometimes we just need God to be God, and to look after all
the suffering in the world. Excellent words to an old tune from Thomas
Tallis which is unlikely to be familiar, but it very beautiful. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and purchasing options. Sound sample of tune (different words). New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource As Joseph lay in troubled sleep
(Mary Louise Bringle) Excellent words reflecting on Joseph's dream, and
his faithfulness. It also reflects on the violence into which Jesus was
born and died. Sheet music sample, lyrics, and purchasing options.
- Spoken Word Kids Who Die (Langston Hughes) This poem from 1938 is still something we need to hear. I think this would be a really useful reading to ponder today. Poem. Powerful video read by Danny Glover.
- Online Resource Come Christmas Child (Shirley Murray)
A wonderful new song that fits the themes we are exploring this year:
that Christ will come amid the pain and hurt that exists in the world
(oh, maybe we explore that every year?). The tune is not easy - it will
need to be taught, but the lyrics will make it worth the time! Lyrics and sheet music.
- Online Resource Rise Up
(BiFrost Arts) Not a congregational song. You could use the recording, or get your musicians to
play this. Sound sample, purchasing options.
- In Bethlehem a Newborn Boy (Ana Hernández) A simple & quite lovely song that tells the story & updates it for today's world.
- GtG154 Jesus entered Egypt (Adam Tice) This is my strongest recommendation for the season. A beautiful, easy to
sing reminder that we need to reach out to the refugee, migrant and stranger among us. Highly recommended. Tune sample.
"Jesus entered Egypt fleeing Herod's hand, living as an alien in a
foreign land. Far from home and country with his family, was there room
and welcome for this refugee?". Lyrics (PDF).
- TiS 319 / AHB 241 / CH314 / Lau141 / MP071 Child in the manger infant of Mary
(Mary Macdonald) Words of the outcast, infant Christ who becomes the
victorious Redeemer. Sung to the well known tune BUNESSAN. CH has the
original Gaelic text. Lyrics and sheet music. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- WoV639 / PH045 / W&R207 / 82Hml-113 Oh Sleep Now Holy Baby
(Hispanic folk song) A lullaby from a mother to a child who is in
danger. This would be a good song to remember the fear of Christ's
family, and the fear of all whose children live in danger. Lyrics.
- A&M077 / HPP141 / CP(E)60 / 82Hml-247 Lully lulla thou little tiny Child (Coventry Carol) (16th century English) A very lovely and sad lullaby. I love this song;
is it weird that we used to sing our baby to sleep with this song? Lyrics and sheet music. I've just listened to about 10 versions on YouTube. This is my favourite. And a version with a beautiful lute.Oldy-but-a-goody.
- CH330 The tyrant issues his decree (Iain Cunningham) A song about the slaughter of the innocents that
realistically presents the story and makes it easy to see the parallels
with similar images from the news. Sung to a straightforward 15th
century tune (AGINCOURT) Verse two: "Bewildered parents claw the air
with shrieks of horror and despair, and all of Bethlehem laments the
slaughter of the innocents." Sound sample.
- Online resource / GWA107 / MV111 A voice was heard in Ramah (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette) Lament, death of children; peace; war; Good
words to a very straightforward hymn tune (LLANGLOFFAN). Lyrics.
- NCH174 Hear the voice of God so tender (Lavon Bayler) Good words of a tender God, with the repeated phrase
"Bless God's holy name together, as the Spirit brings new life". Sung to
a hymn tune that is new, but not difficult. Lyric and sheet music video.
- TiS 293 / AHB 218 / CH331 / VU054 / CP(E) 73 / 82Hml-098 / StF218 / MP714 Unto us a boy is born
(15th century Latin) Verse 3 is particularly appropriate for
this week. A very simple and well-known carol. Lyrics and sound sample.
Most hymnals have now changed "all men surpasses" to something more
inclusive (e.g. "all folk surpasses"). Lyrics.
Oldy-but-a-goody.
If you have ideas, I'd love to hear them! Please leave a comment below.
