Songs, Hymns & Music for Christmas 1C (December 29 2024)

Sing some Christmas Carols.... or...

1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26
Hannah's gift of the child Samuel.

• SFFS 2189 A mother lined a basket (Mary Nelson Keithahn) Quite a remarkable song about the nurture mothers provide and the risks they take in letting children go, with Jochabed and Hannah being prime examples. This celebrates more that Hannah's son did arrive. "A mother sewed a jacket lined in the softest wool, then dressed her little boy-child, her cup of blessing full. She brought him to the temple where he would serve and live. God's people had a prophet. She had such faith to give.". Could be sung to other tunes such as THORNBURY. Lyrics. New words to old tunes (if you choose one).
• Online Resource / GWA027 My soul rejoices in the Lord (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette) A hymn setting of Hannah's song set to the folk carol "Seven Joys of Mary". Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• Online Resource My heart exults in the Lord (Jason D Locke) This is a beautiful chanted version of Hannah's song with a simple refrain. Best if you can use parts, but also lovely without the parts. Sheet music. Sound sample. Please contact Jason on jason_@_islingtonunited.org to seek permission.
• WoV692 / ELW419 / GtG324 / RS885 For all the faithful women (Herman Steumpfle) Great words of the faithfulness of women, including Hannah, Mary, Mary Magdalene, Deborah and Miriam. Sung to a very familiar tune (AURELIA). You could choose just the verses you want so it's not too long, (but all the verses are good). Some words are a bit odd (like the bit about saving "our race" could unfortunately be easily misconstrued). Lyrics. New words to old tunes.
• NCH015 My heart is overflowing (Miriam Therese Winter) Excellent words to a simple flowing tune. This song is one of very few written specifically based on Hannah's song. The tune is new, and there are many verses, so I would get your musicians to start up and invite the congregation to join as they feel comfortable to so do. Lyrics.
  
• TiS 690 / CH259 / A&M557 / StS115 / SP237 / Srce54 / StF693 / MP806 Beauty for brokenness hope for despair (Graham Kendrick) Themes of healing from personal and universal suffering and an emotive chorus. “Refuge from cruel wars, havens from fear, cities for sanctuary, freedoms to share, peace to the killing-fields, scorched earth to green; Christ for the bitterness, his cross for the pain”. It's a bit schmaltzy. Lyrics, sound samples and chord charts.
• Taizé / TiS 741 / AoV1-017 / ATE 282 / LBW368 / ELW407 / GA431 / SFFS 2200 / GtG471 / G(II)410 / GC586 / GC(II)566 / G(3)666 / W&R484 / Srce519 / URW390 / Lau929 / PfAS013A / PfAS102A / MP908 O Lord hear my prayer (Jacques Berthier) A simple and very well known Taizé chant. Works well during intercessions. Sheet music samples. Good for kids 
  

Psalm 148 
All creation sings God's praise

• GWA023 Silver skeins of angel hair / Raise an Alleluia (Margaret McClarty) 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).
  
• 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.
• 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. 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)  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.

Colossians 3:12-17
Good solid advice on living well. Clothe yourself with love, may Christ's peace and word dwell in you.

• Online Resource Bind us together within your love (The Porters Gate) A simple repetitive song that would work really well. Video. Lyrics and chords.
• Online Resource / SP&P115 We are all God's chosen people (Stephen Nix) A simple, slightly groovy short song about all of us being God's chosen people. Sheet music for purchase.  Good for kids.
• ATOK 390 / GGives1 Put on love every day, never hide your love away (Mary Lou Walker) A fun song for kids; very catchy and it makes everyone smile! Sound sample. Good for kids.
• Iona (LFB) / G(II)407 / GC583 God give us peace that lasts (John Bell) Lovely words and a simple hymn tune. Prayer for peace, hope and love. This can also be sung to LOVE UNKNOWN. "God give us peace that lasts, not through the fear of might, but through the force of love, and love of life and right. Where costly wars and weapons lure, Show us our Lord among the poor". Lyrics and lead sheet. Sound sample.  New words to old tunes.
• ATW 494 / NCYC'99 For you deep stillness (Julie Perrin) A peaceful and powerful homegrown favourite. Lyrics and mp3 sample. Might be nice to sing this at the end of the service.
• AoV1-190 / UMH431 / HPP308 / G(II)529 / GC731 / GC(II)723 / G(3)829 / W&R614 / Cha677 / G(3)829 Let There Be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me (Sy Miller / Jill 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". Good for kids. Lyrics. 
• FFS07 Bring peace to us (John Murray) A simple chant with two possible tunes. Both are good. The first is a round. "Bring peace to us, bring peace through us, O God bring peace"
• A&M504 / GC(II)644 / W&R577 / G(3)743 / SP167 / StF689 / Lau836 Summoned by the God who made us / Sing a New Church (Delores Dufner) Excellent words of Christian unity and justice to the well-known tune NETTLETON (TiS 392). Would be a good final hymn. Lyrics and sound sample. New words to old tunes
• TiS 465 / AHB 399 / ATA 115 / NCH279 / Iona (SBL) / CH116 / GA381 Our God in heaven / Father in heaven / Loving Creator grant to your children (Elena Maquiso / Daniel T Niles) I really like this hymn, especially the Philippino 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 sample.
• GC(II)722 / G(3)826 Jesus give us your peace (Michael Mahler) Gospel song. It kind of merges personal peace with global peace. "Jesus bring us your peace, bring us together, let all the fighting cease…" Lyrics and lead sheet. Sound sample.
• CH786 May the God of peace go with us (Ian Jamieson) A lovely benediction to a traditional Scottish tune (AE FOND KISS). "May the God of peace go with us as we travel from this place; may the love of Jesus keep us firm in hope and full of grace". It's a little bit tricky. Sound sample.
  
• SP&P122 Pray pray pray for peace within our world (Stephen Nix) A simple prayer for peace. A good centering prayer. 
• AoV1-106 / UMH376 / WoV774 / ELW753 / GtG752 / G(II)528 / GC730 / GC(II)724 / G(3)822 / CP562 /  Cha297 / URW443 / 82Hml-712 / Lau904 Dona Nobis Pacem (American folk song) This is very well known, and would fit well with this reading. Sound sample, history and sheet music. Good for kids. Oldy-but-a-goody.
• Taizé / TiS 713 / Cha296 Dona nobis pacem domine / cordium (Jacques Berthier) A more solemn chant. Youtube. 
•  TiS 398 / AHB 310 / AoV1-118 / NCH289 / CH489 / UMH475 / VU367 / GA375 / A&M238 / LBW508 / ELW804 / GtG282 / PH313 / GC465 / GC(II)471 / G(3)556 / RS617 / CP645 / CP(E) 175 / W&R330 / Cha582 / Srce100 / Lau303 / StF372 / MP089 Come down O Love divine (Bianco of Siena) Old fashioned, but still inclusive and very well known. Lyrics (slightly more modern version). Hymnals vary a lot in the lyrics with respect to thees and thys and words like "vesture". Oldy-but-a-goody.
• 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. Scottish sound sample. Good for kids.
• Online Resource / NCH401 / GtG308 / W&R388 O god in whom all life begins (Carl P Daw) Excellent words of living as a community of faith. Sung to a simple English melody. Lyrics and sheet music.
  
• Online Resource / TiS 477 / Iona (LFB, Common Ground) / CH510 / StJ / GA529 / A&M450 / CP059 / SP218 / URW056 / StF028 Jesus calls us here to meet him (John Bell) Good words and a rollicking or gentle Celtic tune (depending on how you play it!). 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”. Lyrics, sheet music sample, and purchasing option.  Video with lyrics and a pretty flute solo.
  
• Online Resource / NCH332 / VU457 / ELW522 / SFFS 2268 / HPP528 / GC(II)738 / G(3)839 / CP061 / W&R695 As We Gather at Your Table (Carl Daw) If you are celebrating communion. It could be sung to HOLY MANNA or NETTLETON, both very popular hymn tunes. Lyrics and sheet music. New words to old tunes.

Luke 2:41-52
12 year old Jesus teaching in the temple.
I couldn't find many songs specifically about this passage. You may choose to sing some Christmas songs or carols that allude to Christ's interesting childhood, e.g. Once in Royal David's City.

• ATAR631 / NCH161 / SFFS 2072 / PH299 / W&R249 / ZSS207-d Amen Amen / See the little baby (African-American) This is not so well known in Australia, where it may be better sung by a choir, or as a call and response; the response will need to be taught. Verse two mentions "See him in the temple teaching all the elders. How they all marvelled!" (Thanks Becky Coleman). Sound sample (it's Harry Belafonte!). Good for kids.
• Jesus' parents left the temple (Carolyn Winfrey Gillette) Good story-telling words to the tune W ZLOBIE LEZY (Infant Holy Infant Lowly). You may also like to use a combination some of Carolyn's new verses and the old verses to connect the two stories. Thank you David Higham for this suggestion! Lyrics. New words to old tunes.

What will you be singing? Add a comment, especially if it's something I haven't thought of!