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
- Online Resource / ACS902 Come now O God when our love is forsaken (David Bjorlin) Reflective words of seeking for God to come in the midst of sadness. Set to a traditional folk tune, which may not be familiar, so will need to be taught. Or perhaps the congregation could just listen. Sound sample, sheet music and lyrics sample and purchasing options.
- 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 (downloads a large pdf). Set to VOX DILECTI, but could be sung to other tunes. It fits New Britain (the tune for Amazing Grace) quite nicely.
- NCH107 / LBW633 / ELW242 / GtG107 / GC346 / GC(II)351 / G(3)423 / W&R160 / Cha138 / Lau157 Awake Awake and greet the new morn (Marty Haugen) Although this is usually sung in Advent, I think you could sing it in the Epiphany season. Lyrics, sound samples & sheet music.
- ATFG514 Emmanuel Carol / God of light we are waiting for you
(Gael Berberick) This is a lovely song; you will need to teach it, but once it's known, it's pretty easy. Sample sheet music.
- 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 / StF180 / MP493 O come O come Emmanuel (Psaleroilum Cantionum Catholicarum) A very well known ancient Advent carol. Most versions are pretty inclusive. Lyrics and history.
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. Search the Facebook Group for lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- NCH131 / CH303 / UMH218 / VU44 / LBW054 / ELW282 / HPP128 / PH038 / GtG123 / GC367 / GC(II)379 / G(3)433 / CP140/1 CP(E) 56 / W&R191 / Cha153 / Srce2-289 / 82Hml-089 / Lau135 / StF205 / MP345 It came upon the midnight clear (Edmund Sears) One of those few carols that is really more of an Advent hymn. Lyrics vary widely across the hymnals, but some are quite inclusive, like NCH, VU, CH, PH. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- TiS 279 / AHB 212 / SFFS 2091 / HPP158 / GC487 / GC(II)494 / CP632 / Lau107 The King of glory comes the nation rejoices (Willard Jabusch) Fun and energetic song to a traditional Israeli folk melody. A good processional. Lyrics. Good for kids.
Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19
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 ResourceOur 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.
Romans 1:1-7
Words of greeting and a brief gospel summary
- TiS 272 / AHB 200 / NCH122 /
CH472 / UMH196 / VU002 / LBW030 / ELW254 / A&M030 / HPP89 / PH001/002 / GtG082/083 / GC323 /
GC(II)345 / G(3)403 / CP088 / CP(E) 24 / W&R153 / Cha125 / URW101 / 82Hml-066 / Lau100 / StF169 / MP102 Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus (Charles Wesley) Most versions of this old hymn are quite inclusive, although still quite old fashioned. The New Century Hymnal replaces the kingly language in verses
3 and 4 with something less (um…) kingly. History and lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- ATW 451 Jesus Saviour of the world (David Schubert) Simple chant-like song.
- SFFS 2248 We believe in God our creator / Creed One (Chip Andrus) A simple creed. It's OK. Sound sample.
- ATW 459 I don't believe in a God up in the sky / God Version 1.0 (Robin Mann) An excellent rock song about how we think about God, or not! Lyrics and mp3. Good for kids. Thanks to James Douglas for this suggestion.
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.
Matthew 1:18-25
The angel appears to Joseph in his dream.
- NCH105 / SFFS2009 Gentle Joseph Joseph dear / Joseph dearest Joseph mine (German carol) This is a lovely old carol; very easy to sing. There's not many songs out there for dear old Joseph. Words. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- 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 (downloads a large pdf). Set to VOX DILECTI, but could be sung to other tunes. It fits New Britain (the tune for Amazing Grace) quite nicely.
- NCH121 / UMH210 / VU005 / WoV629 / ELW266 / W&R163 / Cha139 All earth is waiting / All earth is hopeful / Toda la tierra espera al Salvador (Alberto Taule) Fun Catalonian tune, good words, although the English translations vary between sources. Could be good for kids. A nice recording from Chile in Spanish. Slow and majestic organ sample and English lyrics.I particularly like this translation.
- AoV2-043 / ATFG520 / CoC40 / NCH538 / SFFS 2095 / GC(II)355 / G(3)449 / SP&P174 / W&R223 / ZSS63 Star-Child (Shirley Murray) A lovely lovely carol. Very easy to sing. A big favourite! Lyrics and sample sheet music.
- G(II)647 / GC893 / GC(II)870 / G(3)982 God of Adam God of Joseph (Fred Kaan) Father's day A lovely gentle song that celebrates Joseph, fathers, and all who nurture children. Short sound sample. Sheet music and lyrics.
- Online Resource Joseph heard the troubling news (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette) Good words about the challenge faced by Joseph to a standard hymn tune. Lyrics.
- TiS 328 Joseph your love of life brought an engagement (Patrick 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,
but the words also work to CHRISTE SANCTORUM 1 with some adjustments (split
the first three lines to make six so the congregation can see how it
scans). If you have trouble, it might be a good song to ask your musicians to
sing so the congregation can listen and ponder the words. Lyrics & sheet music.
- TiS 294 / NCH127 / UMH216 / VU008 / LBW058 / ELW272 / HPP133 / GtG129 / PH048 / GC368 / GC(II)373 / CP117 /
W&R190 / Cha160 / 82Hml-081 Lo how a Rose e'er blooming / Behold a rose is growing (German 15th Century) I love this traditional Advent song; it's not so well-known in Australia. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- Tune in / Online Resource Tune In (Natalie Sims) A simple song for kids about listening out for God's voice. Free downloadable songbook, lyrics and sound sample. It's got actions! Good for kids
- 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.
- Online Resource Among the displaced in a backwater town
(David Bjorlin) A wonderful new song, set to the traditional Irish folk tune "Arthur McBride". This song reflects on the different roles of the poor and the wealthy in the story, and our roles today. Not so simple for a congregation, unless you all like folk music and are familiar with the tune. Sample sheet music. Sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- Cha158 Her baby newly breathing
(Brian 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). New words to old tunes.
- Iona (LFB) / G(II)503 / GC701 / RS818 / StF464 God It Was who said to Abraham (John Bell) Easy tune. Good story words, which includes God's call to
Joseph, along with a canon of others who were called by God. Note that
God is masculine; I think this has been changed in more recent editions
of Love From Below. Lyrics and sheet music. Slow sound sample.
- Online Resource We sing the praise of Mary / Joseph's dream (Rod Horsfield) Lyrics about the important role of Joseph in the Advent story and in the early life of Jesus. Sung to a familiar tune (KILMARNOCK), or you could sing it to ELLACOMBE. Thanks to Rod for getting in touch and sharing these with us, and thanks to Wayne for suggesting the alternate tune. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
I'd love to hear your suggestions; please add a comment if you have some ideas to add.
You can still sing Christmas carols!
- Online Resource Song of the Magi (Anais Mitchell) This powerful song reflects on modern day Bethlehem and the struggles there, and may be appropriate to play to your congregation. Lyrics. Original Song. Powerful video cover version recorded in Bethlehem at the Israeli West Bank barrier.
- ACS914 / NCH160 / GtG127 Hark the herald angels sing / Jesus the light of the world
(Charles Wesley / George Elderkin) This is a fun variation on Hark
the Herald Angels sing, with a Gospel Chorus of Jesus the Light of the
World. Great for Epiphany. Sample sheet music.
- Online Resource / ACS915 / VU97 / GC(II)376 / G(3)450 When a star is shining / Where the Promise Shines (Sylvia Dunstan) This new carol would also be good for Epiphany. Sheet music sample including string quartet if desired, sound sample, and purchasing options.
Isaiah 60:1-6
- Online Resource O Children of the Light / Ay Farzandane Nur (Anonymous Farsi) This is simple enough if you just limit yourself to one verse and chorus
in both languages. Sheet music, Farsi, transliteration and English translation (the English translation is not for singing). Sound sample on youtube (which includes a singable English translation). Don't do it too fast! Here's a great video teaching the pronunciation.
- Online Resource Lift your head / Your light has come (Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A really lovely refrain that could be used at various points throughout the service. Sound sample, lyrics & sheet music. Here's some verses from John Grummit (thanks John!).
- NCH164 / VU79 / StS030 / WoV652 / LBW652 / ELW314 / PH411 / GtG744 / W&R231 / URW138 Arise your light is come! (Ruth Duck) Good general words of Christ coming to bring justice to the familiar tune ST. THOMAS (TiS 271). Sheet music. New words to old tunes.
- TiS
666 / AoV2-113 / AoVK-126 / ATOK 409 / NCH526 / Iona (Common Ground,
Freedom is Coming) / CH516 / VU646/647 / WoV650 / ELW866 / A&M483 / SFFS 2235 /
HPP153 / GtG853 / G(II)357 / GC513 / GC(II)516 / G(3)594 / Cha442 / SP235 / Srce737 / StF483 / MP954 We are marching in the light of God / Siyahamba / Caminando (South
African) A very popular chorus, with possible alternate verses,
depending on your source. Sometimes people get anxious about the word
"marching", but remember that this song comes from apartheid-era South
Africa, where people were protesting so that they could vote in their
own country. And the marching is toi-toing, much less militaristic than
what you may imagine. Lyrics & sound samples. Good for kids.
- SP&P070 Although it looks as if the sky is falling / Isaiah's Dream (Bill Green) Joyful words; the tune will need to be taught. Sound sample with a great video for guitarists to see the chords.
- Music by Heart 61 Arise shine for your light has come (Ruth Cunningham) A simple two-part chant, which can easily be taught before, or during, the service. Sheet music. Good for kids.
- UMH725 / SP25 Arise shine out your light has come (Brian Wren) Excellent hopeful words sung to the hymn tune DUNEDIN; it also works quite nicely to CHURCH TRIUMPHANT. Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- Online resource Arise, Shine! (Bruce Harding) A simple repeated chorus. It would work well at the end of the service. Free sheet music and Sound sample.
- NCH158 / UMH247 / LBW076 / GtG827 / W&R230 / Cha105 O Morning Star How Fair and Bright! / O Morning Star how clear and bright
(Philipp Nicolai transl. Catherine Winkworth) A traditional German
Epiphany chorale. Lyrics and sound sample.
- NCH112 Keep awake be always ready
(Arthur Clyde) New words to the tune for "Wake awake for night is flying". I
particularly like the second verse of this one. WACHET AUF. Lyrics (in a PDF). New words to old tunes.
- ATOK 389 Light of the nations (Robin Mann) A simple yet powerful song. Lyrics.
- URW432 Radiant light divine
(Rufino Zaragoza) This is pretty lovely. A nice chant based on the Phos
Hilaron. Sound sample.
- ATA 128 / NCH584 / VU087 / Cha469 I Am the Light of the World you people come and follow me
(Jim Strathdee) Good song for the Christmas season (not immediately
after Christmas day. Reflects on Jesus as the coming of the light, which we should follow. Lyrics.
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Praise for a just and righteous king Solomon
- Emergent Psalter For he shall deliver the poor (Isaac Everett) A Psalm refrain. It's not amazing, but I'm having trouble finding good Psalm refrains for this particular Psalm. Sheet music sample (refrain only).
- NCH36 / PH219 To God compose a song of joy (Ruth 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). New words to old tunes.
- WCC website: Hear the message we now are proclaiming / El mensaje que hoy proclamamos (Eleazar Torreglosa) This jubilant Colombian song of liberty and new life for the poor and suffering would fit well with this reading. Free sheet music.
- NCH588 / StJ / WoV763 / ELW717 Let justice flow like streams (Jane Parker Huber) Excellent words to the very familiar tune ST THOMAS. Lyrics. New words to old tunes
- SP&P137 The world is hungry for justice / Sweet Justice (Louis Gilio / Scott Ressman) This song is new to me, and the words are
very suitable for this reading. It's a ballad and the verses would be
best sung by the musicians at first, with the congregation joining in on
the chorus until they get to know it.
- Online Resource / AoV2-137 / Iona (SBL) / CH262 For the world and all its people (Iona Community) This is a beautiful, haunting song set to the tune of Somos pueblo que camino (Welcome, pilgrims on the journey). It will need to be
taught t, but once your congregation gets it, I'm sure they'll love it.
Particularly good to use during intercessions. Lyrics. Sound sample and purchasing options. More traditional tune sound sample (different words).
- Online Resource Be a blessing
(Richard Bruxvoort-Colligan) A song of encouragement based on this Psalm. This
would be a wonderful song to sing at someone's commissioning, or as a
benediction song to your congregation. It would be tricky for a
congregation at first, so I would get your musicians to present it as a
gift to the congregation. Lyrics, sound sample and sheet music.
Ephesians 3:1-12
Paul's call & mission; inclusion into the body of Christ.
- Iona (M&G, T1AU) / MV099 / GC(II)673 / G(3)763 / Lau996 Stand O Stand Firm (Cameroon) I love having an excuse to sing this simple and powerful song.
Very easy for your congregation. You can make up cantor parts too “Oh my
sisters…. Oh my brothers… Oh my children….” or you can name countries
you are praying for in your intercessions. Good for kids. Scottish sound sample. Lead sheet.
- 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).
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
- TiS 428 / AHB 340 Help us O Lord to learn
(William Reid) Great challenging (but quite formal) words about being committed to
learning the faith. Good for a New Year message. Boring tune though. I
would sing it to ST THOMAS (TiS 271 / AHB 198) Lyrics (with thees and thys, which are not in TiS). New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / Walk as One God the great mystery (Sharonne
Price) An excellent hymn of God's abundance, mystery, and
creative power. Set
to the tune BONNIE GEORGE CAMPBELL. Book (PDF) for purchase. New words to old tunes
Matthew 2:1-12
Here come the Magi...
- Online Resource We had seen the star (Leigh Newton) A beautiful song, better for a soloist than a congregation. Sheet music and sound samples.
- CoC49 Who are these who ride by starlight?
(Marnie Barrell) Powerful words! The tune is simple enough
too. Lyrics.
- Online Resource Take us home by another way (Christopher Grundy) An excellent and simple song encouraging a thoughtful response to tyrants. A great song for response after the sermon. Sound sample. Lyrics and lead sheet and purchasing options.
- CoC51 / Online Resource Wise men came journeying (Shirley
Murray) Good, imaginative words, including reference to New Year, sung
either to a new tune or to BONNIE GEORGE CAMPBELL if you need something
familiar. New words to old tunes. Lyrics and sheet music.
- AoVK-60 / AA04 / CoC05 And did you see him little star? (Helen Clyde) I quite like this song. It's very imaginative and good for kids. Lyrics (scroll down).
- URW416 Listen to the song of the wind (Thomas Turner) This is quite lovely, and you could choose whichever verses are most appropriate for any service; this week, you might like to sing "Listen to the dreams in the night". Lyrics. Good for kids.
- NCH370 / W&R685 / URW127 What gift can we bring? (Jane Marshall) A good offering song. Also good for a church anniversary. Lyrics. This song has great words for the offering, and seems appropriate to both Epiphany and New Year. The tune is a bit tricky.
- VU94 / Cha175 / STB132 Lovely star in the sky (Korean text) Good words. Lovely simple Korean tune. The peoples of the two Koreas could do with some songs from us. Sound sample.
- AA014 / CoC09 / STB144 / StF194 Child of joy and peace
(Shirley Murray) Excellent words for Christmas and Epiphany; recognises the
poverty of Christ and constrasts it with the greed of Christmas -
without being too heavy handed. I like Ian Render tune (JENNIFER'S
GIFT) best, even though it's a little tricky. Lyrics and sheet music sample.
- Online Resource / NCH155 The magi who to Bethlehem did go / Los magos que llegaron a Belén (Manuel Fernandez Juncas) Traditional Puerto Rican carol. This is so much fun to sing. A great alternative for Epiphany. Sound sample (in Spanish) and purchasing options.
- VU092 In the darkness shines the splendour (Bernadette Gasslein) Good new words sung to the tune IRBY (Once in Royal David's City). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource From the void sprang all creation (David
Bjorlin) Words linking the birth of the cosmos to the birth of Christ and all human birth. Set to
the familiar tune AR HYD Y NOS. Sheet music sample, lyrics and purchasing options. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource What can we bring? (Pat Mayberry / David Kai) A simple song offering justice, compassion, respect and recognition of the holiness of all things. This is really lovely. Sheet music.
- TiS 314 / AHB 239 / NCH159 / CH326 / VU81 / A7M094 / LBW082 / ELW302 / HPP144 / PH063 /
GtG150 / GC374 / GC(II)384 / CP160 / CP(E) 83 / W&R236 / Cha173 / Srce2-39
/ 82Hml-119 / Lau166 / StF224 / MP039 As with gladness men of old / those of old / sages bold (William Dix) A well known traditional Epiphany carol. Oldy-but-a-goody. Lyrics and tune.
- GC(II)386 / G(3)462 Every nation sees the glory
(Francis Patrick O'Brien) BEACH SPRING (TiS 493) Beautiful words and very familiar
tune. “Every nation sees the glory of a star that pierced the night. As
we tell the wondrous story we are bathed in radiant light. Star sent
forth from highest heaven, dancing light of God’s design, Shine upon the
gift that’s given; Word made flesh now born in time.” Highly
recommended! Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource / HiOS105 Now the star of Christmas (Shirley Murray) A multifaith epiphany song: "Where the three kings
travel, three great faiths arise: Jesus Christ for Christians, Jesus,
Judah's son, Prophet for the Muslim, wisdom in each one". Some
congregations will find this a bit too much, but others will find much
to celebrate in this song. Can also be sung to NOEL NOUVELET if you
don't want to try a new tune (the new tune is not hard). Lyrics and sheet music. 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 and Epiphany song. It’s also set to a very easy (and fun) tune to sing (URQUHART). I especially love verse 3 "Wise
men, they called them, earnest astrologers, watching for meaning in the
moving stars, science or fancy, learned or laughable, theirs was a
vision that was brought to pass. 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. Good for kids? I liked it when I was a kid.
- UMH243 / VU089 / PH064 / W&R238 From a Distant Home / De Tierra Lejana Venimos (Puerto Rican) Nice tune and pretty standard words. Would be a good change for Epiphany. Sound sample.
- SFFS 2094 I sought him dressed in finest clothes
(John Bell) Excellent words that speak of the search for a king in high
places, and finding him among the poor. Sung to a Celtic folkish tune. Lyrics.
- TiS 255 / CH135 / VU434 / CP018 O laughing Light O first-born of creation
(Sylvia Dunstan) A slightly more modern version of the Phos Hilaron.
Words are good but the tune in TiS (ADRIAN) is a little tricky.
Sound samples with a range of possible tunes.
- LBW648 / ELW312 / CP437 / W&R669 / SP28 / URW085 Jesus come for we invite you (Christopher Idle) Excellent words to a well known hymn tune. This picks up themes
of the Wedding at Cana, the transformative power of Christ to energise
our faith. "Jesus,come! surprise our dullness; Make us willing to
receive More than we can yet imagine, All the best you have to give: Let
us find your hidden riches, Taste your love,believe,and live!". It's
set to the tune UNION SEMINARY, which is not in that many hymnals. You
could also sing it to WESTMINSTER ABBEY (TiS 432). New words to old tunes. Lyric and sheet music
- TiS 307 / AHB 232 / CH300 / VU73 / SFFS 2098 / G(II)264 / GC345 / GC(II)378 / G(3)454 / CP128 The Virgin Mary had a baby boy (Traditional) This carol includes those wise men. Sound sample (timing and chords are slightly different to most hymnals). Lyrics. Good for kids Oldy-but-a-goody
- Previously Online Resource Last night among the stars (Helen Wiltshire) Imaginative words, to a standard hymn tune about the sorry
of the word, and the hope of the Christ Child. "We join the sages from
afar and bring the gift of who we are". This book is no longer available online - if you have a copy, now's the time to dig it out.
- Recorded Music Heavenly Child
(Peter Mayer) This is a great song from the viewpoint of one of the wise men.
A great song for those who have travelled far in their spiritual
journey but hold on to the image of the heavenly child. Lyrics and sound sample
- TiS
666 / AoV2-113 / AoVK-126 / ATOK 409 / NCH526 / Iona (Common Ground,
Freedom is Coming) / CH516 / VU646/647 / WoV650 / ELW866 / A&M483 / SFFS 2235 /
HPP153 / GtG853 / G(II)357 / GC513 / GC(II)516 / G(3)594 / Cha442 / SP235 / Srce737 / StF483 / MP954 We are marching in the light of God / Siyahamba / Caminando (South African) A very popular chorus, with possible alternate verses,
depending on your source. Sometimes people get anxious about the word
"marching", but remember that this song comes from apartheid-era South
Africa, where people were protesting so that they could vote in their
own country. And the marching is toi-toing, much less militaristic than
what you may imagine. Sound sample. Good for kids.
- BUC Song Project Jesus Was a Carpenter (Chris Lees) A slightly daggy but cool song for kids. Brunswick UCA only, as it's not published yet. Good for kids
- URW432 Radiant light divine (Rufino Zaragoza) This is pretty lovely. A nice chant based on the Phos Hilaron.
Sound sample.
- Online Resource Set the sun dancing (Shirley Murray) Joyful song of celebration, with an uplifting key change for the chorus. Lyrics and sheet music
- VU093 When heaven's bright with mystery (Rob Johns) Good new words to the tune SUSSEX CAROL. Lyrics (PDF). New words to old tunes.
- Online Resource God help the weary travellers (Daniel
Damon) Timely lyrics with reference to travellers who may be refugees,
and/or women fleeing from domestic violence and a lovely simple tune and
our call to travel with love. Lyrics and sheet music.
- UMH254
/ WoV646 / GA299 / HPP148 / A&M574 / PH066 / GtG151 /
GC373 / GC(II)382 / CP(E) 91 / W&R233 / Cha172 /
82Hml-128 / Lau170 We Three Kings of Orient Are (John Hopkins) I used to think this carol was silly until I read the lyrics properly. Lyrics and story. Good for kids, just for the O-o-o, bit. Oldy-but-a-goody
- VU096 Will you come and see the light? (Brian Wren) Excellent Christmas / Epiphany words to the tune KELVINGROVE (The Summons) "Will you hide, or decide to meet the light?". Lyrics and sheet music sample.
- Online Resource A Star Shone Bright (Richard Garland) Sung to the familiar tune O WALY WALY, this new set of words sing of the star of long ago, still leading us today. New words to old tunes. Free sheet music.
- Online Resource Wise Men Seeking Jesus (James East) Simple, welcoming words about seeing Jesus in our everyday world. It's a little old-fashioned, and it may help to share the story of the origin of the hymn. Thanks to David Higham for sharing this hymn. Lyrics and sheet music. Story of the hymn.
- GtG152 / PH068 / GC378 / GC(II)389 / G(3)461 What Star Is This? (Charles Coffin) Slothful hearts could do with singing this sometimes. A standard hymn sung to PUER NOBIS NASCITUR. Lyrics. Different words to old tunes.
- AoV1-165 /
NCH148 / UMH219 / VU074 / LBW040 / ELW296 / HPP138 / PH053 /
GtG145 / GC380 / GC(II)387 / G(3)466 / CP137 / CP(E) 74 / W&R184 / Cha162 / 82Hml-115 / Lau145 What child is this? (William Dix) "Come bring him incense, gold & myrrh"... Lyrics. Oldy-but-a-goody.
- ATAR632 Share your gift (Busch) A good song for the offering, particularly on Sundays when the
theme of being part of the body of Christ, or sharing gifts or talents
is being explored. Words are simple enough to make sense to kids. Good for kids.
What will you be singing? Join the conversation and share your thoughts in a comment below.
