=====[ HYMNS, SONGS & CHORUSES ]======

The following suggestions are compiled from 
resources prepared by John Maynard, Jeff Shrowder 
, David MacGregor 
, Dean 
McIntyre, Denis Towner and many others.

The hymns and songs listed below may be found in 
a variety of hymnbooks and chorus books.

(A.) The first grouping consists of hymns, songs 
and choruses recommended for this Sunday.

These hymns have been arranged according to their possible use in worship, E.g.

       Hymn of Praise = God in Providence and Creation
       Hymn of Thanksgiving = Christ our Lord and Redeemer
       Hymn of Faith = The Holy Spirit and the Church: Its Life and Witness
       Hymn of Commitment = Christian Discipleship

(B.) The second grouping consists of other hymns, songs and choruses.

(C.) The third grouping is based upon the 
passages of the RCL (Revised Common Lectionary).

(D.) The fourth grouping is a selection of hymns, 
songs and choruses for Advent.


CURRENT RESOURCES:

    AHB = The Australian Hymnbook / With One Voice (Aus/NZ)
    AOV As One Voice Willow Connection
    AT = All Together Now (ATN), All Together Again (ATA),
         All Together Everybody (ATE), All Together Okay (ATO),
         All Together Whatever (ATW) (Openbook Pub.)
         All Together for Good (ATG) (Curly Music)
    BOP = Book of Praise (Presbyterian Church of Canada)
    CG Common Ground (St Andrew Press)
    CH = Chalice Hymnal (Disciples of Christ)
    Ch = Church Hymnary (Church of Scotland)
    Ch3 = Church Hymnary 3 (Church of Scotland)
    Ch4 = Church Hymnary 4 (Church of Scotland)
    Covenant = Covenant Songs
    DMAC = David McGregor
    FWS = The Faith We Sing
    GGIVES = God Gives, Books 1,2,3,4 (Songs for Kids, Uniting Education)
    GBEAT = Gospelling to the Beat 1&2 (Scripture Union)
    HS = Hillsong (Hills Christian Life Centre)
    HSNW = Heaven shall not wait (Iona Community/Wild Goose Resource Group)
    IECS = In every corner sing
    LHS = Lutheran Hymnal With Supplement
    MP = Mission Praise
    NCH = New Century Hymnal (UCC-USA)
    NCYC = NCYC Songs (National Christian Youth Convention, Uniting Church)
    Ph = The Presbyterian Hymnal (USA)
    P&W = Praise & Worship (Resource Christian Music)
    RJ = Rejoice! (Presbyterian Church in Australia)
    SA = Sing Alleluia
    SCE = The Source (Kevin Mayhew)
    SINGSBK1 = Singalong Songbook vol.1&2 (Integrity's Hosanna Music)
    SIS/Song = Scripture in Song (Songs of Praise, Songs of the Kingdom etc.)
    SOF = Songs & Hymns of Fellowship (Kingsway)
    TFWS = The Faith We Sing (United Methodist USA)
    TIO = There is one among us (John Bell/Wild Goose Resource Group)
    TIS = Together in Song (Australia/New Zealand)
    UMH = United Methodist Hymnal (USA)
    VU = Voices United (United Church of Canada)

  (* = Recommended) (** = Highly Recommended)

_____________________

(A.) HYMN SUGGESTIONS FOR ADVENT FOUR - YEAR B

The Australian Hymn Book / Together in Song / Sing Alleluia

==[PRAISE: God in Creation, Providence & Redemption ]==

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound (TIS 129 + AHB 86)
Do not be afraid, I am with you (TIS 16 + SA 28, Christopher Willcock)
** Glory be to God the Father (TIS 142 + AHB 84)
Joyful, joyful, we adore You (TIS 152 ‘Ode to Joy’) (VU 232)
My heart and voice I raise (TIS 225 + AHB 160)
O worship the King, all-glorious above (TIS 133 + AHB 67)
** Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! (TIS 161 + AHB 109)


==[THANKSGIVING: Jesus Christ: His Life & Resurrection ]==

Angels from the realms of glory (TIS 309 + AHB 235)
At the name of Jesus (TIS 231 + AHB 170)
** Behold! a Rose is growing (TIS 294 ‘Es Ist Ein Ros) (Ph 48) (UMH 216)
Behold! the mountain of the Lord (TIS 441 + AHB 366)
Brightest and best of the stars of the morning (TIS 310 + AHB 234)  [Communion]
** Child in the manger, infant of Mary (TIS 319 + AHB 241)
Christ, our King before creation (AHB 190, Ivor Harold Jones)
* Coldly the Night Winds Winging (AHB 245, Worker's Carol)
*** Come, Thou long expected Jesus (TIS 272 + AHB 200) (BOP 109)
* From Heaven Above to Earth I Come (TIS 296 + AHB 219)
** Hail to the Lord's anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203)
* Hark the glad sound! The Saviour Comes (TIS 269 + AHB 197)
Hark! the herald angels sing (TIS 303 + AHB 227)
How brightly beams the morning star (TIS 199 + AHB 220) (VU 55)
How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds (TIS 223 + AHB 158)
Jesus, the Name high over all (TIS 218 + AHB 150)
*** Joy to the world! The Lord is come (TIS 268 + AHB 224)
** Let all mortal flesh keep silence (TIS 497 + AHB 418)
Let earth and heaven combine (TIS 305 + AHB 229)
Let heaven and earth combine (TIS 305 + AHB 229)
Lift up your heads, ye mighty gates (TIS 267, by Georg Weisell, tr.
    Catherine Winkworth)
Light one candle for hope (TIS 286, Natalie Sleeth) /ADVENT WREATH/
*** Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming (TIS 294 ‘Es Ist Ein Ros) (Ph 48) (UMH 216)
** Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming (TIS 294 ‘Es Ist Ein Ros) (UMH 216)
** Long ago, prophet knew, Christ would come (TIS 283 + SA 61,
      Fred Pratt Green) (BOP 121)
There's a light upon the mountains (TIS 276 + AHB 207)
Love Divine all loves excelling (TIS 217 + AHB 148) (VU 333)
No wind at the window, no knock on the door (TIS 287, John L. Bell)
Not the powerful, not the privileged (TIS 288, John L. Bell)
*** O come! O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193) (UMH 211) (VU 1)
** Of eternal love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (BOP 163) (UMH 184)
    [Corde Natus OR Plainsong]
** Of the Father's love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (BOP 163) (UMH 184)
    [Corde Natus OR Plainsong]
* Once in royal David's city (TIS 312 + AHB 237)
Our God Put Off His Glory (AHB 247)
** Saviour of the nations, come, known as Virgin Mary's Son (TIS 295) (UMH 214)
The advent of our God (TIS 271 + AHB 198)
*** The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222)
The Lord will come and not be slow (AHB 194)
* The people that in darkness walked (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
The race that long in darkness pined (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
The north wind is tossing the leaves (TIS 322 + AHB 246)
* The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (TIS 307 + AHB 232, West Indian Carol]
The voice of God goes out to all the world (TIS 282 + SA 86, Peter Icarus)
There's a light upon the mountains (TIS 276 + AHB 207)
Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne with a Kingly crown (AHB 206)
To the Name of our salvation (AHB 127, fm. The Antwerp Breviary)
To us a child of royal birth (TIS 308 + AHB 230)
*** The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222) (BOP 156) (Ch4 285)
* Wake, Awake! For Night is Flying (TIS 266 + AHB 195)  [Communion]
When Adam fell God gave His word (AHB 211)
* When God almighty came to be one of us (TIS 292 + AHB 225)
** When He comes back, when He comes back (TIS 280 + SA 92, Malcolm Stewart)
** Ye Gates, Lift Up Your Heads On High (TIS 12 + AHB 286)  [Communion]


==[DEVOTION: The Holy Spirit & The Church ]==

Jesus calls us here to meet Him (TIS 477, John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
Thanks to God whose word was spoken (TIS 431 + AHB 339)


==[COMMITMENT: Christian Discipleship ]==

God of all power, and truth, and grace (TIS 567 + AHB 477)
* Son of God, eternal Saviour (TIS 606 + AHB 529)

_________________

(B.) OTHER HYMNS, SONGS & CHORUSES:

A virgin most pure, as the prophet foretold
As Joseph was a-walking
Come and join the celebration
Earth was waiting, spent and restless
Gabriel's message does away
God gives us life
Had he not loved us
Heavenly message, brought by an angel
Hosanna to the living Lord
How bright appears the Morning Star
I see a new heaven (VU 713)
Jesus, hope of every nation
Jesus, Name of wondrous love
Lord of life and Lord of history (UMH 190)
Mary, blessed teenage mother
May the grace of Christ our Saviour
My soul give glory (VU 899)
Name of all majesty
* No other name, no one the same (Song 594, Rob Packer)
Peace to you
Redeemer of the nations, come
The darkness turns to dawn
The Word whom earth and sea and sky
There is Nothing Told (Gather Australia 548)
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour
Thy kingdom come! on bended knee
What Adam's disobedience cost
Where is this stupendous stranger?
Ye who own the faith of Jesus (UMH 197)

______________

(C.) SCRIPTURE ALLUSIONS:

==[ 2 Samuel 7:1-11,16 ]==

[Nathan's Message to David]

All glory, laud, and honour (TIS 333 + AHB 250) (UMH 280)
* Amazing grace, how sweet the sound (TIS 129 + AHB 56)
Be not dismayed what’er betide (UMH 130)
Behold the servant of the Lord
Blessed be the God of Israel (UMH 209)
Blest be the King whose coming
Children of the heavenly Father (UMH 141)
** Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (TIS 272 + AHB 200)
Dear Shepherd of Your people, hear (TIS 444 + AHB 371)
Do not be afraid, I am with you (TIS 16 + SA 28, Christopher Willcock)
God Will Take Care of You (UMH 130)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (TIS 154) (UMH 140)
** Hail to the Lord's anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203) (UMH 203)
How lovely is your dwelling place (TIS 44 + AHB 347) (More Voices 29)
It came upon the midnight clear (UMH 218)
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun (TIS 207 + AHB 136) (UMH 157)
** Long ago, prophets knew (TIS 283 + SA 61, Fred Pratt Green)
Lord, You need no house
O bless the God of Israel (TIS 284, Michael A. Perry)
** O come, O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193) (UMH 211)
O worship the King all-glorious above (TIS 133 + AHB 67)
Spirit divine, attend our prayers (TIS 406 + AHB 377) (VU 385)
Sweet is the solemn voice that calls
Take, O take me as I am
That Boy-Child of Mary (UMH 241)
The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended (TIS 458 + AHB 388)
The day You gave us, Lord, is ended (TIS 458 + AHB 388)
The house of our God” by Jim Manley (All God’s Children Sing 72)
The Lord’s my shepherd (TIS 10 + AHB 16) (VU 747)
We love the place, O God
* When He comes we'll see just a child (SOF 599, Sue Read)
Where high the heavenly temple stands (TIS 377 + AHB 298)
While shepherds watched their flocks by night (TIS 299 + AHB 223) (UMH 236)


==/ Luke 1:46b-55 /==

[Mary's Song of Praise]

All praise to our redeeming Lord (TIS 442 + AHB 367) (UMH 554)
Arise, Shine (TFWS 2005) 	
Bless His Holy Name (TFWS 2015) 	
Blessed be the God of Israel (UMH 209)
Blest are they (TFWS 2155) 	
* Blest be the Lord, the God of Israel (Common Ground 15a, para. Owen Alstott)
Canticle of Mary (UMH 199)
Christ is King! Let earthly powers (BOP 272, Sylvia G. Dunstan)
** "Christmas is coming" the church is glad to sing (TIS 289, John L. Bell)
    (Ch4 282)  /ADVENT WREATH/
“Cuando el Pobre Nada Tiene” (UMH 434)
* Earth lies spellbound (SCE 85, Graham Kendrick)
Emmanuel (HS, Badham)
* Father all-loving and ruling in majesty (TIS 160 + AHB 104)
Follow the Saviour (ATW 471, Colin Buchanan)
** For the world and all its people (Ch4 262, Spanish, tr. John L. Bell)
Freedom is coming (TFWS 2192) 	
* Give thanks with a grateful heart (CH 528, Henry Smith) (TFWS 2036)
Glory to God (TFWS 2033) 	
God is so good (TFWS 2056)
* Hail to the Lord's Anointed (UMH 203)
He is born, the Holy Child (UMH 221)
** Heaven shall not wait (Common Ground 49, John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
      (Ch4 362)
Holy Ground (TFWS 2272) 	
How Shall I Come Before the Lord? 	
Humble King (SCE[2] 911/Vineyard, Brown)
I will sing a song, a song to my God (SOF 264, Paul Kyle)
In the bleak midwinter (UMH 221)
In Your hand, my Saviour, there's a home for me (ATA 235, Anna-Marie Kaskinen)
It came upon the midnight clear (UMH 218)
Jerusalem, my happy home (NCH 378, Tune: Land of Rest)
Joseph dearest, Joseph mine (TFWS 2099)
Joy to the world! The Lord is come (TIS 268 + AHB 244) (UMH 246)
* Joyful, joyful, we adore you (TIS 152, Ode to Joy)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (TIS 497 + AHB 418) (UMH 626)
* Lo! How a rose e'er blooming (UMH 216)
* Lord, be Thy word my rule
Love divine, all loves excelling (TIS 217 + AHB 148) (UMH 384)
* Mary sang a song, a song of love
My heart sings out with joyful praise to God who raises me (NCH 106, Ruth Duck)
* My Jesus, my Saviour (TIS 738, Darlene Zschech) (SCE/P&W 730/ATO 369)
My soul doth magnify the Lord (SIS 60) (SOF 380, Susie Hare)
*** My soul gives glory to my God, my heart (TIS 172, Miriam Therese Winter,
      Medical Mission Sisters) (BOP) (NCH 119) (Ph 600) (UMH 198)
* My soul gives glory to the Lord (TIS 173, John T. Mueller)
* My soul is praising the Lord, yes! (ATA 260, Peter Kearney)
* My soul proclaims (Common Ground 15b, para. Owen Alstott)
O come, all ye faithful (TIS 304 + AHB 228) (UMH 234)
** O come, O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193) (UMH 211)
O how my Spirit rejoices (SCE[2] 910, Sutton)
O morning star, how fair and bright (UMH 247)
Once in Royal David’s city (TIS 312 + AHB 237) (UMH 250)
People, look east (UMH 202)
Praise to the Lord (TFWS 2029)
** Saviour of the nations, come, known as Virgin Mary's Son (TIS 295) (UMH 214)
She comes sailing on the wind (TFWS 2122)
* Shout to the Lord (TIS 738, Darlene Zschech) (SCE/P&W 730/ATO 369)
Shouts of joy! (DMAC, David MacGregor)
** Sing for God’s glory that colours the dawn of creation (Ch4 172,
      Kathryn Galloway)
Sing of Mary, pure and lowly (UMH 272)
** Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! (TIS 161 + AHB 109,
      Timothy Dudley-Smith) (Rejoice 168) (Covenant 118) (Ch4 286)
      (SOF 498) (UMH 200)
That Boy-Child of Mary (UMH 241)
** The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222)
The feast is ready (SCE 506, Graham Kendrick)
* The first one ever, oh, ever to know (BOP 664, Linda W. Egan) (UMH 276)
The first song of Isaiah (TFWS 2030)
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed (UMH 199, Canticle of Mary)
The Lord has done great things for us (TIS 80, tr. The Grail)
The snow lay on the ground (TFWS 2093)
** The Virgin Mary had a baby boy (TIS 307 + AHB 232, Anon. West Indies)
      (TFWS 2098)
This child (SCE 511, Graham Kendrick)
To a maid engaged to Joseph (UMH 215)
To God be the glory, great things he has done (TIS 147 + AHB 85)
* What child is this who came to rest? (UMH 219)
What does the Lord require (UMH 441)
When the Lord delivered Zion from bondage (TIS 80, tr. The Grail)
When the poor ones who have nothing (UMH 434)
Ye who claim the faith of Jesus (UMH 197)
You can tell the Lord that you love him (ATW 471, Colin Buchanan)


==[ Psalm 89:1-4,19-26 ]==

[Hymn in Time of National Trouble]

Begin, my tongue, some heavenly theme (TIS 116 + AHB 32)
Better by far (SCE[2] 645, Altroge)
Christ is made the sure foundation (TIS 432 + AHB 343)
Come touch our hearts (More Voices 12)
Come, worship God who is worthy of honour
Father all loving, Thou rules in majesty (TIS 160 + AHB 104)
For the might of Your arm we bless You (AHB 535)
God of Eternity Lord of the ages(AHB 89)
God's mercies I will ever sing (Rejoice 111)
Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father (Covenant 33) (SOF 143)
** Hail to the Lord's Anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203) (UMH 203)
* Here, O my Lord, I see Thee face to face (Ch4 664)
How firm a foundation (TIS 578 + AHB 491)
** I have made a covenant with my chosen (SOF 195)(Covenant 2)
      (Song 307, Karen Barrie)
** I will give thanks to You, O Lord among the nations
      (TIS 726, Brent Chambers) (SIS/TIS 726/SOF 269)
I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever (Song 404, J. H. Fillmore)
I will sing of your love forever (SCE 421, Smith)
I will sing forever of Your love, O Lord (TIS 46, Willcock Psalm)
I will sing the wondrous story (TIS 233 + AHB 173)
Let us with a gladsome mind (AHB 11)
Lord, I come to You (SCE 329/HS/P&W 621, Geoff Bullock)
Love divine, all loves excelling (TIS 217 + AHB 148)
Mary, woman of the promise (VU 16)
* My song forever shall record (Ph 209) (BOP 54, Psalm 89)
My soul cries out (More Voices 120)
My soul gives glory to my God (TIS 172, Michael Joncas)
My soul gives glory to the Lord (TIS 173, ver. by John T. Mueller)
Nothing deeper (David MacGregor, DMAC)
O for a thousand tongues to sing (TIS 210 + AHB 141)
O I will sing unto You with joy (Song 618) (SOF 399, Shone Sauna)
O worship the King all glorious above (TIS 133 + AHB 67)
Rejoice today with one accord
* Rock of Ages, cleft for me (TIS 222 + AHB 157) (Ch4 554)
* Sometimes a light surprises (TIS 128 + AHB 55)
* Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord (TIS 161 + AHB 109)
The head that once was crowned with thorns (TIS 378 + AHB 301)
The power of your love (SCE 329/HS/P&W 621, Geoff Bullock)
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases (SIS 414/SOF 549/P&W 40, McNeill)
Thou didst leave Thy throne with a kingly crown (AHB 206)
Thy hand, O God, has guided (TIS 456 + AHB 389)
* Timeless love! We sing the story (Rejoice 22)
We come unto our father's God (AHB 387)
We the Lord's people, heart and voice uniting
When all your mercies, O my God, (AHB 39)
You alone (SCE 621/Parachute, Hiram)
Your hand, O God, has guided (TIS 456 + AHB 389)


==[ Romans 16:25-27 ]==

[Concluding Prayer of Praise]

All earth is waiting (UMH 210, "Toda la Tierra")
Come, Holy Ghost, our hearts inspire (TIS 396 + AHB 308) (UMH 603)
Come, Holy Spirit our souls inspire (TIS 396 + AHB 308) (UMH 603)
Come, O Jesus, come, O Lord (AHB 211)
Command Thy blessing from above
Eternal, Unchanging, we sing to Thy praise
* Glory be to God the Father (TIS 142 + AHB 84) (Ch4 110)
Glory to God (VU 37)
Glory to God (TIS 773, Taizé Chant) (More Voices 36)
God gives us a future, daring us to go (TIS 687, Elizabeth J. Smith)
* God of all power, and truth, and grace (TIS 567 + AHB 477)
God of God, the uncreated
Good Christians all, rejoice (TIS 313 + AHB 238)
Immortal, invisible, God only wise (TIS 143 + AHB 80)
Jesus, come, for we invite you
** Joy to the world! The Lord is come (TIS 268 + AHB 224)
* Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee (TIS 152) (Ph 464)
Let all the world in every corner sing (TIS 105 + AHB 13) (UMH 93)
May the grace of Christ our Saviour (TIS 777 + AHB 373)
* May the mind of Christ my Saviour (TIS 609 + AHB 537)
* Now, my tongue, the mystery telling (Ch4 667)
Now unto Him, who is able to keep you from falling (SIS 72, Wood)
O God beyond all praising (VU 256)
O Jesus, I have promised (UMH 396)
** Of the Father's love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (Ch4 319)
Rejoice the Lord is King (TIS 216 + AHB 147)
* Send out the gospel! Let is sound (Ch4 681)
Son of God eternal Saviour (TIS 606 + AHB 529)
Standing on the Promises (UMH 374)
** Thanks to God whose Word was spoken (TIS 431 + AHB 339) (Ch4 605)
The lone, wild bird (VU 384)
The universe was waiting
To Father, Son and Holy Ghost (Ch4 806)
To God be the glory, great things He has done (AHB 147 + AHB 85) (UMH 98)
To God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit, three in one (Ch4 812)
To God, with the Lamb and the Dove
Toda la Tierra (UMH 210, "All Earth is Waiting")


==/ Luke 1:26-38 /==

[The Birth of Jesus is Announced]
		
A virgin most pure, as the prophet foretold
* All earth is waiting to see the Promised One (UMH 210 “Toda la Tierra")
All things are possible (HS/SCE 17/P&W 815, Darlene Zschech)
All things bright and beautiful (TIS 135 + AHB 70)
* At the name of Jesus, every knee shall bow (TIS 231 + AHB 170) (UMH 168)
** Behold, a rose is growing (TIS 294 ‘Es ist ein Ros) (Ph 48) (UMH 216)
* Behold the great Creator makes himself a house of clay (Ch4 308)
Blest Are They (TFWS 2155) 	
* By his word was all created (Ch4 319, Prudentius 384-413)
** Lo, how a rose e'er blooming (TIS 294) (Ph 48)
** Child in the manger, infant of Mary (TIS 319 + AHB 241)
Christ is our light! the bright and morning star
Come all you good people
Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (TIS 272 + AHB 200)
Creator of the starry height (UMH 692)
Creator of the stars of night (UMH 692)
Dreaming Mary (More Voices 134)
For Mary, Mother of our Lord
* From east to west, from shore to shore (AHB 217)
Gabriel's message does away
God the Father sends his angel
God's Spirit as a rising gale
Hail Redeemer, King divine (TIS 237 + AHB 188)
** Hail to the Lord's Anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203) (UMH 203)
Hark, the glad sound! the Saviour comes (TIS 269 + AHB 197)
He is born, the Holy Child (UMH 228)
He who by a mother's love (TIS 277, George MacDonald)
Heavenly message, brought by an angel
Here I Am, Lord (TIS 658, Daniel L. Schutte) (VU 509)
Hope is a star that shines in the night
How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds (TIS 223 + AHB 158)
I, the Lord of sea and sky (TIS 658, Daniel L. Schutte) (VU 509)
I'm So Glad Jesus Lifted Me (TFWS 2151) 	
In the Bleak Midwinter (UMH 221)
In the name of Jesus
I've found it hard, Lord (SOF 237, Mick Ray)
* Jesus Christ is waiting, waiting in the street (TIS 665, John L. Bell
      and Graham Maule) (HSNW)
Jesus, Name above All Names (TFWS 2071) 	
Jesus shall reign where'er the sun (TIS 207 + AHB 136)
* Jesus, the Name high over all (TIS 218 + AHB 150)
Jesus Christ is waiting, waiting in the streets (TIS 665, John L. Bell) (HSNW)
Jesus has sat down at God's right hand (SOF 273, Jonathan Wallis)
Jesus, the name high over all (TIS 218 + AHB 150)
* Joseph dearest, Joseph mine (TFWS 2099)
Just as I am, without one plea (TIS 584 + AHB 497) (VU 508)
** Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming (TIS 294 ‘Es ist ein Ros) (Ph 48) (UMH 216)
** Long ago, prophets knew (TIS 283 + SA 61, Fred Pratt Green) (BOP 121)
Lord, be Thy word my rule
Lord Jesus, our bright Morning Star (TIS 199, J. C. Pfizer)
Loving Spirit, loving Spirit (TIS 417, Shirley E. Murray) (VU 387)
Of the Father's Love Begotten (UMH 184)
Make Me a Servant (TFWS 2176) 	
Mary, blessed teenage mother
Mary sang a song, a song of love
Mary, woman of the promise
Most high (HS, Morgan)
* My soul gives glory to my God, my heart (UMH 198)
** No wind at the window, no knock on the door (TIS 287, John L. Bell)
Not the powerful, not the privileged (TIS 288, John L. Bell)
Nova, nova
* Now, my tongue, the mystery telling (Ch4 667)
Now tell us, gentle Mary
O Come, All Ye Faithful (UMH 234)
O glorious day
** O little town of Bethlehem (TIS 316 + AHB 240)
* O what a gift, what a wonderful gift! (TIS 278 + AHB 213, Path Uhl)
** Of eternal love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (Ch4 319)
      (BOP 163) (UMH 184) [Corde Natus OR Plainsong]
** Of the Father's love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (Ch4 319)
      (BOP 163) (UMH 184) [Corde Natus OR Plainsong]
** Once in royal David's city (TIS 312 + AHB 237) (UMH 250)
** One day an angel here on this earth (Ch4 299, Alison M. Robertson)
One more step along the world I go (VU 639, Sydney Carter 1915-2004)
* People, Look East (UMH 202)
Redeemer of the nations, come
Rejoice, the Lord is King (TIS 216 + AHB 147)
** Saviour of the nations, come, known as Virgin Mary's Son (TIS 295) (UMH 214)
** She comes sailing on the wind (BOP 403, Gordon Light)
      (VU 380) (TFWS 2122) 	
She walked in the summer (VU 12)
Silent, surrendered (SCE 456, Hayes/Razza)
* Sing of Mary, pure and lovely (UMH 272)
Sing we of the Blessed Mother
Spirit of God, descend upon my heart (Ch4 495)
Stay, my child, my body sharing
Take my life, and let it be (TIS 599 + AHB 520)
Tell Out, My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord (UMH 200)
* That Boy-Child of Mary (UMH 241)
** The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222) (BOP 156) (Ch4 285)
The day Thou gavest, Lord, is ended (TIS 458 + AHB 388)
The day You gave us, Lord, is ended (TIS 458 + AHB 388)
** The first one ever, O ever to know (BOP 664, 
Linda Wiltberger Egan) (UMH 276)
The people that in darkness sat (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
The people that in darkness walked (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
The race the long in darkness pined (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
The Snow Lay on the Ground (TFWS 2093) 	
** The Virgin Mary had a baby boy (TIS 307 + AHB 232, Anon. West Indies)
      (TFWS 2098)
The Word whom earth and sea and sky
There is a Redeemer, Jesus, God’s own Son (Ch4 559, Melody Green)
** To a maid engaged to Joseph (Ph 19) (UMH 215)
* To a maid whose name was Mary (BOP 130, Gracia Grindal) (VU 14)
To the Name of our salvation (AHB 127)
This kingdom (HS/ATO/SCE, Geoff Bullock)
“Toda la Tierra Espera al Salvador” (UMH 210, ‘All Earth is Waiting’)
The Snow Lay on the Ground," TFWS 2093)
There's Something About That Name (UMH 171)
Turn our hearts (SCE 531, Graham Kendrick)
Virgin-born, we bow before Thee
We believe (SIS/SCE 541/SOF 572, Graham Kendrick)
We praise You, Lord, today
We thank You, God almighty
When our God came to earth
** When out of poverty is born a dream that will not die
      (Ch4 291, Kathryn Galloway, Tune: Kingsfold)
While Mary was watching, they hung Jesus high (Ch4 383, Alison M. Robertson)
Ye Who Claim the Faith of Jesus (UMH 197)
* Ye who own the faith of Jesus (UMH 197)


==/ John 1:6-8, 19-28 /==

[The Word of Life]

All things bright and beautiful (TIS 135 + AHB 68)
* Angels from the realms of glory (TIS 309 + AHB 235)
As stars adorn the night-veiled sky
* At the dawning of salvation (TIS 392 + SA 9, Jock Curle)
At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow (TIS 231 + AHB 170)
* Before the world began one word was there (Ch4 317, John L. Bell
      and Graham Maule)
Blessed be the God of Israel
Blessed Jesus, at Your word (TIS 437 + AHB 352)
* Born in the night, Mary's child (TIS 323, Geoffrey Ainger)
* Christ is a-comin' (ATE 340, Simpson)
* Christ is the world's light, He and no other (TIS 246 + AHB 191) (UMH 188)
Christ Jesus lay in death's strong bands (TIS 364 + AHB 283)
Christ, whose glory fills the skies (TIS 212 + AHB 140) (UMH 173)
* Colourful Creator, God of mystery (TIS 190, Ruth C. Duck)
Come, Thou almighty king (UMH 61)
** Come, Thou long expected Jesus (TIS 272 + AHB 200) (UMH 196)
Come, you people, come adore Him (TIS 101 + AHB 5)
* Comfort, comfort all my people (TIS 647, Robin Mann)
      (ATN 25/TIS 647/AOV[2] 12/various)
Freedom is coming (ATO 355/AOV[1] 61. African trad.)
Get ready (GGIVES[4] 1, Gerry Holmes [kids]
Get ready, get ready (DMAC, David MacGregor) [kid-friendly]
God in human shoes (ATO 338, Thiele)
Give me the faith which can remove (UMH 650)
God has spoken by the prophets (TIS 158 + AHB 92) (UMH 108)
* Hail, gladdening Light, of His pure glory poured (TIS 191)
Hail our once-despised Jesus (TIS 373 + AHB 295) (UMH 235)
* Hark! a herald voice is calling (TIS 264 + AHB 192)
* Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding (TIS 264 + AHB 192)
** Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes (TIS 269 + AHB 197)
      (BOP 118) (Ch4 277) (Rejoice 177)
** Hark! The herald angels sing (TIS 303 + AHB 227) (UMH 240)
He came singing love/faith/hope/peace (VU 359)
He did not want to be far
Herald, sound the note of judgment
Heralds of Christ, who bears the King’s commands (UMH 567)
* Hope is a star that shines in the night (VU 7)
Hope shines as the solitary star (More Voices 220)
I am the light of the world (VU 87)
* I am trusting Thee, Lord Jesus (SOF 183, Frances Ridley Have gal)
I hear a sound (SIS 340/P&W 87, Gustafson)
* I want to walk as a child of the light (TIS 643, Kathleen A. Thomerson)
      (UMH 206)
I was there to hear Your borning cry (TFWS 2051)
I will never be the same again (SCE 264, Geoff Bullock)
* Jesus is born: formed in a womb and now a baby (TIS 311)
Jesus, name above all names (TFWS 2071)
Jesus! the name high over all (TIS 218 + AHB 150)
* Jesus is born: formed in a womb and now a baby (Ch4 311, Pat Bennett)
* Joyful, joyful, we adore you (TIS 152, Ode to Joy)
Kindle a flame (VU 19)
Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom (TIS 582 + AHB 494)
** Let all mortal flesh keep silence (TIS 497 + AHB 418)
Lift up your heads, you mighty gates (TIS 267)
Lo, from the desert homes
Lord, I lift Your name on high (TFWS 2088)
Lord, the light of Your love is shining (TIS 675, Graham Kendrick) (TFWS 2173)
Lord of light, whose name shines brighter (AHB 392)
* Lord, Your almighty word (TIS 447 + AHB 61)
* Make way, make way for Christ the Lord (SIS 587/SCE 349/SOF 384/P&W 449,
      Graham Kendrick)
* Morning has broken like the first morning (TIS 156 + AHB 91)
Mothering God, You gave me birth (TFWS 2050)
My heart and voice I raise (TIS 225 + AHB 160)
My soul gives glory to my God, my heart
Now it is evening (TFWS 2187)
** O come, all ye faithful (TIS 304 + AHB 228) (UMH 234)
** O come! O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193)
O gladsome light, O grace of our Creator's face (Ph 549)
O Holy Spirit, root of life (TFWS 2121)
O how shall we receive You?
O Laughing Light, O first-born of creation (TIS 255, Sylvia G. Dunstan)
* O little Love, who comes again (Ch4 329, Shirley E. Murray)
* O little town of Bethlehem (TIS 316 + AHB 240) (UMH 230) /FEATURED HYMN/
O love that wilt not let me go (TIS 602 + AHB 525)
O loving founder of the stars (NCH 111, Latin, anon. 9th century)
O word of God incarnate (UMH 598)
** Of the Father's love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (NCH 118) (UMH 184)
      [Tune: Corde Natus OR Plainsong]
Of the Parent's heart begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (NCH 118)(UMH 184)
      [Tune: Corde Natus OR Plainsong]
* On Christmas night all Christians sing (TIS 300, Sussex Carol)
** On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry (TIS 270 + AHB 199) (Ch4 334)
Praise our God, the great creator (TIS 165 + AHB 110)
* Praise to You, O Christ, our Saviour (TIS 258, Bernadette Farrell)
** Prepare the way, O Zion
* Saviour of the nations, come, known as Virgin Mary's Son (TIS 295) (UMH 214)
Send Your Word (UMH 195)
* Sent by the Lord am I (Common Ground 105, Jorge Maldonado) [Chile]
She comes sailing on the wind
Shine, Jesus, Shine (TIS 675, Graham Kendrick) (TFWS 2173)
* Sing a new song, sing a new song (TIS 166 + AHB 102)
Sing we the praises of the great forerunner
Standing on the promises (UMH 374)
Thanks to God whose Word was spoken (TIS 431 + AHB 339)
The Baptist shouts on Jordan's shore (NCH 115)
The great forerunner of the morn
The Spirit of the Lord is revealed (AHB 336)
* There's a voice in the wilderness crying
* This is a story full of love (BOP 504, Brian A. Wren)
This is the Spirit's entry now (UMH 608)
* Through saints we glimpse the light of Christ (Ch4 748, Carl P. Daw, Jr.)
** Wait for the Lord, His day is near (Ch4 276, Taizé Community)
We are marching in the light of God (TIS 666, South African) (TFWS 2235-b)
Welcome the king (SCE 549, Graham Kendrick)
What is the crying at Jordan?
When the wind of winter blows (More Voices 71)
Wild and lonely the Prophet's voice (TFWS 2089)
Womb of life (TFWS 2046)
Word of God, come down on earth (UMH 182)
Your God will come (ATW 454, Gillingham)

______________

(D.) MORE CAROLS, HYMNS, SONGS & CHORUSES:

===[ FOR ADVENT ]===

A great and mighty wonder
A shoot shall come out (CH 126, The Peaceful Realm)
A stable lamp is lighted whose glow shall wake the sky (CH 141, Richard Wilbur)
A Voice Cries Out (Gather Australia 278)
A Voice in the Wilderness (As One Voice I 62)
Advent Litany (Gather Australia 279)
** All Earth is waiting (BOP 109) (NCH 121) (UMH 210, Toda la Tierra) (VU 5)
      (CH 139)
* All hail King Jesus, all hail Emmanuel (BOP 268, Dave Moody) (TFWS 2069)
All things are possible  (P&W 815/HS/SCE 17, Darlene Zschech)
Alleluia. Hurry, the Lord is near (Ch4 280)
* Awake! Awake, and greet the new morn  (NCH 107, Marty Haugen) (CH 138)
Behold a Virgin Bearing Him
Benedictus (Gather Australia 5, TIS 284)
* Blessed be the God of Israel  (UMH 209, Michael Perry) (CH 135)
Blessed be the God of Israel (CH 137, Song of Zechariah)
Blest be the King whose coming
Christ, whose glory fills the skies (TIS 212 + AHB 140) (Ph 462,463)
Christians all, your Lord is coming (CH 136, Jim Miller)
** 'Christmas is coming', the church is glad to sing (TIS 289, John L. Bell)
    /ADVENT WREATH/
* Come now, Lord Jesus (AA 23, Shirley E. Murray)
Come, let us to the Lord our God (TIS 577 + AHB 490)
* Come, O Jesus, come, O Lord (AHB 211, James P. McAuley)
** Come, our long-expected Jesus (TIS 273 + AHB 200) (TIS 122) (UMH 196)
      (CH 125) (Ph 1,2)
Come to be our hope, O Jesus (TIS 688)
* Come surely, Lord Jesus, as dawn follows night (CH 128, Mary Anne Parrott)
Come to be our hope, O Jesus (TIS 688, Jaci Maraschin)
* Come to us/ We believe You are the way  (ATO 314, Sharny Russell-Schlenker)
** Come, Thou long-expected Jesus (TIS 273 + AHB 200) (TIS 122) (UMH 196)
      (CH 125) (Ph 1,2)
Come, O Long Expected Jesus (TIS 273)
Come to Set us Free (As One Voice I 39, Gather Australia 277)
Come, Thou Redeemer
Come now, O Prince of peace (Ch4 275)
Come to us  (ATO 314, Sharny Russell-Schlenker)
* Comfort, comfort all my people  (TIS 647, Robin Mann) (ATN 25)
* Comfort, comfort now my people (Ch4 274)
** Comfort, comfort you my people (Common Ground 28, para. Johannes Olearius)
      (BOP 113) (Ch4 113) (NCH 101) (CH 122)  (Ph 3)
Comfort, O comfort my people (CH 123)
Creator of the stars of night (BOP 111) (Ch4 288) (Ph 4) (CH 127)
Creator of the starry height
* Drawn to the light/ People who walk in darkness (ATO 315, John Ylvisaker)
* Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel 
(BOP 114, Bob McGee) (CH 134) (UMH 204)
Father eternal, ruler of creation (AHB 540, Laurence Housman)
For Mary, Mother of our Lord
Gabriel's message does away
Gentle Joseph, Joseph dear  (NCH 105)
Get ready for Christmas! (David MacGregor DMAC)
Grace and truth shall mark the way (Ps. 25)
Hail, O Mary, full of grace
Hail, O star that pointest
* Hail to the Lord's anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203) (BOP 115)
      (NCH 104) (UMH 203) (CH 140)
Hail to the Lord's Anointed (UMH 208, Canticle of Zechariah)
* Hark! A herald voice is calling (TIS 264 + AHB 192)
Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding (BOP 116)
** Hark the glad sound! The Saviour comes (TIS 269 + AHB 197) (BOP 118)
He became poor that we may be rich (TIS 721, John L. Bell)
He who by a mother's love (TIS 277 + AHB 204)
Herald! Sound the note of triumph! (BOP 117)
Here is a candle (Ch4 293) [Christingle Service]
** Hope is a candle, once lit by the prophets (Ch4 284, Richard Leach)
** Hope is a star that shines in the night (BOP 119) (CH 132, Brian A. Wren)
I want to walk as a child of the light  (UMH 206, Kathleen Thomerson)
In a dusty old place called Bethlehem (ATO 338, Matthew Thiele
    "God in Human Shoes")
Inspired by Love and Anger (TIS 674, John L. Bell and Graham Maule)
Isaiah the prophet has written of old  (NCH 108, Joy Patterson)
It’s rounded like an orange (Ch4 292) [Christingle Service]
* Jesus comes with clouds descending (Ph 6) (TIS 273 + AHB 201)
Joseph, your love of life brought an engagement (TIS 328, Patrick G. Michaels)
** Joy to the world! The Lord is come (TIS 268 + AHB 224) (CH 143)
Keep awake, be always ready (NCH 112)
Let all be one in mind and heart (TIS 247 + AHB 186))
** Let all mortal flesh keep silence (TIS 497 + AHB 418)(UMH 626)(CH 124)(Ph 5)
Let Heaven Rejoice (As One Voice I 124)
** Lift up your heads, eternal gates (TIS 267) (Ch4 289)
      (NCH 117) (CH 129) (Ph 8) (UMH 213)
** Lift up your heads, O mighty gates (TIS 267) (Ch4 289)
      (NCH 117) (CH 129) (Ph 8) (UMH 213)
** Light one candle for hope (TIS 286, Natalie Sleeth)  /ADVENT WREATH/
Like a child love would send to reveal (CH 133, Dan Damon)
Little Bethlehem of Judah (NCH 113, Calvin Seerveld)
* Lo! Christ comes with clouds descending (TIS 273 + AHB 201) (BOP 120) (Ph 6)
Lo! He comes with clouds descending (TIS 273 + AHB 201) (Ph 6)
Lo, how a rose e'er blooming (UMH 216)
** Long ago, prophets knew (TIS 283 + SA 61, Fred Pratt Green) (BOP 121)
Lord Christ, when first You came to earth (AHB 208, Walter W. Bowie) (Ph 7)
Lord Jesus Christ, You have come to us (TIS 526 + AHB 451)
** Make way, make way for Christ the Lord (Ch4 
279, Graham Kendrick) (Song 587)
Mary, blessed teenage mother
* Mary, woman of the promise (NCH 123, Mary F. Fleischaker) (VU 16)
** Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord (TIS 315 + AHB 205)
My heart sings out with joyful praise (NCH 106, Ruth Duck)
* My Lord! What a morning (Ph 449, Spiritual)
* My soul gives glory to my God (NCH 119) (CH 130)
      (UMH 198, Miriam Therese Winter)
My soul glorifies the Lord (AHB 310, The Magnificat, Joseph Gelineau)
My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord (CH 131, Song of Mary)
** No wind at the window, no knock on the door 
(TIS 287, John L. Bell) (Ch4 287)
* Not the powerful, not the privileged (TIS 288, John L. Bell)
Nova, nova
Now tell us, gentle Mary
O Ancient Love (VU 17)
* O bless the God of Israel (TIS 284, Ruth Duck) (NCH 110)
O bride of Christ, rejoice (TIS 336)
** O come, O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193) (BOP 122) (NCH 116)(UMH 211)
      (CH 119) (Ph 9) (As One Voice I 174) (Gather Australia 285)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
O Comfort Ye My People
O day of God, draw nigh (TIS 616 + AHB 547)
O how shall I receive You?  (NCH 102)
O Lord, how shall I meet You?  (Ph 11)
O loving founder of the stars (NCH 111, Latin anon. 9th century)
O sing a new song to the Lord (TIS 56 + AHB 196, Scottish Psalter)
O sing a new song to the Lord (TIS 54, Willcock Psalm 96)
** O what a gift, what a wonderful gift! (TIS 278 + AHB 213, Pat Uhl)
O where are kings and empires now
* Of the Father's love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (NCH 118)(UMH 184)
* On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry (TIS 27 + AHB 199) (BOP 126) (Ph 10)
* Come surely, Lord Jesus, as dawn follows night (CH 128, Mary Anne Parrott)
Patiently waiting for you (ATW 502, Robin Mann)
People in darkness are looking for light (BOP 124, Dosia Carlson)
** People, look east. The time is near (BOP 125, Eleanor Farjeon) (Ch4 281)
      (Ph 12) (UMH 202) (CH 142) (VU 9)
* People who walk in darkness (ATO 315, John Ylvisaker, "Drawn to the light")
** Prepare the Royal highway (TIS 346)
      (See Also: “Prepare the Way, O Zion”, BOP 129/Ph 13)
Prepare the Way (Gather Australia 284)
** Prepare the way, O Zion (BOP 129) (Ph 13)
    (See also: TIS 346, “Prepare the Royal Highway”)
Prepare the way of the Lord (UMH 207, Taizé Chant) (CH 121)
Prepare the of the Lord (UMH 207, Taizé Chant) (CH 121)
Prince of Peace Collection (music for Advent and Christmas by Dan L. Schutte)
Rejoice! Rejoice, believers (Ph 15)
Return, my people, Israel, with penitential tear (NCH 114, James F.D. Martin)
Robe yourself, my soul, in gladness (TIS 503 + AHB 424)
* Saviour of the nations, come (TIS 295)(Ph 14)(UMH 214)
Send, Lord, Like Dew
Send Your Word, O Lord, like the rain (UMH 195, Yasushige Imakoma)
She Walked in the Summer (VU 12)
Sing we of the Blessed Mother
* "Sleepers, Wake!" A voice astounds us (BOP 127) (Ph 17)
Star Child (As One Voice II 43)
* Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! (TIS 161 + AHB 109)(UMH 200)
** The advent of our God (TIS 271 + AHB 198)
** The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222) (Ch4 285) (Ph 16)
The Baptist shouts on Jordan's shore (NCH 115)
The desert shall rejoice (Ph 18, Gracia Grindal)
The earth is the Lord's (UMH 212, Psalm 24 - King James Version)
The first song of Isaiah (TFWS 2030)
The glory of the Lord shall be revealed (UMH 199, Canticle of Mary)
The God whom earth and sky and sea
The King shall come
** The King of glory comes, the nation rejoices (TIS 279 + AHB 212,
      Willard F. Jabusch) (TFWS 2091)
The Lord will come and not be slow (AHB 194, by John Milton)
* The north wind is tossing the leaves (TIS 322 + AHB 246, William G. James)
The people that in darkness walked (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
** The voice of God goes out to all the world (TIS 282 + SA 86,
      Luke Connaughton) (Ch4 283) (Gather Australia 476)
The Word whom earth and sea and sky
* There's a light upon the mountains (TIS 276 + AHB 207)
* There's a voice in the wilderness crying (BOP 128) (NCH 120)
** Thou didst leave Thy throne with a kingly crown (AHB 206,
    Emily E. S. Elliott) (TFWS 2100)
Timeless love! We sing the story
* To a maid engaged to Joseph (BOP 130) (Ph 19)(UMH 215, Gracia Grindal)
To a Maid whose Name was Mary
* To a maid whose name was Mary (BOP 130, Gracia Grindal) (Ph 19)
      (UMH 215) (VU 14)
To us a child of royal birth (TIS 308 + AHB 230)
Tomorrow Christ is coming (BOP 131, Fred H. Kaan)
Virgin-born, we bow before thee
** Wait for the Lord (Ch4 276, Taizé Chant) (Gather Australia 283)
** Wake, awake for night is flying (TIS 266 + AHB 195) (UMH 720) /COMMUNION/
* Watchman, tell us of the night (Ph 20) (NCH 103)
* We believe You are the way (ATO 314, Sharny Russell-Schlencker, "Come to us")
* We look for light but find darkness (UMH 205, Canticle of Light & Darkness)
* We wait for You (AA 149, Shirley E. Murray)
What is the crying at Jordan?  (BOP 132, Carol Christopher Drake)
When Adam fell God gave His word (AHB 211, James P. McAuley)
** When God almighty came to be one of us (TIS 281 + AHB 214,
     Michael E. Hewlett)
* When He comes back, when He comes back (TIS 280 + SA 92, Malcolm Stewart)
** When out of poverty is born (Ch4 291, Kathy Galloway) [Tune: Kingsfold]
* Where is the room, where is the house of Christmas? (AA 154,
      Shirley E. Murray)
* Who is the child that is to be born? (AA 159, Shirley E. Murray)
Why this tumult among nations? (AHB 209, Gelineau Psalm 2)
Wild and lone the prophet's voice (Ph 409)
With joy draw water from the spring  (NCH 109, Anne McKinstry)
With joy we meditate the grace (TIS 206 + AHB 134)
Ye servants of the Lord (AHB 474, Philip Doddridge)
Ye who claim the faith of Jesus  (UMH 197)
* Ye who own the faith of Jesus (UMH 197)
* Your coming, Lord, to earth in Bethlehem (TIS 285 + SA 98, Wesley Milgate)
Your God will come (ATW 454, Gillingham)


===[ FOR CHRISTMAS ]===

A child is born in Bethlehem, alleluia!
A great and mighty wonder
A song for Christmas (GGIVES3, Schultz) [child-friendly]
A stable lamp is lighted
A star was His candle
A virgin most pure, as the prophet foretold
A voice is heard (NCYC '99/AOVK 50/ATW 430, Watts/O'Brien)
About that night in Bethlehem
Adeste, fideles (Ch4 307, Latin 18th century: O Come All Ye Faithful)
All hail and welcome, holy Child
All my heart this night rejoices (Ph 21)
All my heart today rejoices (Ph 21)
All poor men and humble
Alleluia, sweetest anthem
** And did you see Him, little star?  (AA 4, Helen Clyde) (SA 6)
** Angels, from the realms of glory (TIS 309 + AHB 235) (BOP 146) (Ch4 324)
* Angels we have heard on high (BOP 147) (CH 155) (NCH 125) (Ph 23) (UMH 238)
As Joseph was a-walking
As shepherds filled with joy (NCH 149, Puerto Rican Carol)
* As with gladness men of old (TIS 314 + AHB 239) (Ch4 326)
** At Christmastime the birds all sing (GGIVES2/Leigh Newton) [child-friendly]
** Away in a manger (TIS 318 + AHB 242) (BOP 149) (Ch4 312)
Before the marvel of this night
** Before the world began one Word was there (Ch4 317, John L. Bell
      and Graham Maule)
** Behold! a rose is blooming (TIS 294, Es Ist Ein Ros) (Ph 48)
      (UMH 216) (CH 160) (NCH 127)
** Behold! a rose is growing(TIS 294, Es Ist Ein Ros) (Ph 48)
      (UMH 216) (CH 160) (NCH 127)
Behold the great Creator makes himself a house of clay (Ch4 308)
** Bethlehem, a noble city (Ch4 325, Prudentius 348-413)
Blessed Jesus, at Thy word (AHB 352)
Blessed Jesus, at Your word (AHB 352)
** Born in the night, Mary's child (TIS 232, Geoffrey Ainger) (BOP 137)
** Break forth, O beauteous heavenly light (Ph 26) (NCH 140) (UMH 223)
* Brightest and best of the stars of the morning (TIS 310 + AHB 234) (Ch4 327)
By his word was all created (Ch4 319, Prudentius 348-413)
* Carol our Christmas, an upside-down Christmas (AA 9, Shirley E. Murray)
      (NCH 141)
** Child in the manger, infant of Mary (TIS 319 + AHB 241) (Ch4 314)
      Tune: Morning Has Broken)
* Child of Christmas story (AA 12, Shirley E. Murray ‘Small Carol’)
* Child of joy and peace (AA 14, Shirley E. Murray)
Child so lovely, here I kneel before You (UMH 222, Nino Lindo)
Christ, mighty Saviour
* Christ is born [choir with congregation singing the chorus]
Christ is born, give him glory
Christ is our light! the bright and morning star (Ch4 336) [Epiphany]
Christ is the world's light, He and none other (TIS 246 + AHB 191)
Christ triumphant, ever reigning
Christ, whose glory fills the skies (TIS 212 + AHB 140)
** Christians, awake! Salute the happy morn (TIS 306 + AHB 231)
Christian women, Christian me (Ph 348)
* Christmas in the picture book (AA 18, Dorothy N. Ballantyne)
** Christmas in the Scrub (GGIVES2/Leigh Newton) [child-friendly]
Christmas song
Cloth for the cradle
Cold December flies away (UMH 233, "En el Frio Invernal")
* Coldly the night winds winging (TIS 321 + AHB 245, Morris Marin)
Colours of Christmas (GGIVES2/Leigh Newton) [child-friendly]
** Come and join the celebration (Ch4 321, Valerie Collison)
Come, come, come to the manger
Come, my soul, you must be waiting
Come, Thou Redeemer of the earth
* Come to this Christmas singing! (AA 28, Shirley E. Murray)
Come, your hearts and voices raising (TIS 297)
Deck thyself, my soul, with gladness (AHB 424)
Donkey, Donkey  (God Gives ... Songs for Kids, Book 2)
Dost Thou in a manger lie
** Down to earth as a dove (CH 168, Fred H. Kaan) (VU 42)
Drawn to the Light (ATO 315, John Ylvisaker)
* E te Ariki (AA 30, Maori Song)
Earth has many a noble city (TIS 291 + AHB 216)
Earth lies spellbound (SCE 85, Kendrick)
Earth was waiting, spent and restless
Emmanuel (HS, Morgan)
* For unto us a child is born  ("Wonderful Counsellor)
      (Song 665, John Michael Talbot)
 From a distant home (UMH 243, "De Tierra Lejana Venimos")
 From east to west, from shore to shore (AHB 217)
** From heaven above to earth I come (TIS 296 + AHB 219, by Marin Luther)
Funny kind of night, funny kind of day (TIS 329, John L. Bell)
Gabriel's message does away
** Gentle Joseph, Joseph dear (NCH 105, German Carol) (TFWS 2099)
Gentle Mary laid her child, lowly in a manger (Ph 27)
Get ready (ATW 420, Gerry Holmes) (GGIVES4) [child-friendly]
Give a shout in celebration  (DMAC, David MacGregor)
Glad tiding! Glad tidings! (NCH 146, "Nu Oli")
Gloria (TIS 773, Taizé Chant)
Glory (P&W 679/SCE 121/TIS 718/HS, Geoff Bullock)
** Go, tell it on the mountain (BOP 133) (CH 167) (NCH 154) (Ph 29)
      (UMH 251, Spiritual)
Glory, in the highest, glory
Glory in the highest to the God of heaven
Glory to God (TIS 773, Taizé Chant)
Glory to God [child-friendly]
Glory to God! all heaven with joy is ringing
Glory to God in highest heaven
Glory to God on high
God bless us and disturb (HSNW, The Iona Community)
God created heaven and earth
God from on high has heard (AHB 226)
God gave Jesus for us all (TIS 719, David MacGregor) (DMAC) [child-friendly]
God gives us life
God has spoken by his prophets (TIS 158 + AHB 92)
God is Love: let heaven adore him (TIS 153 + AHB 93)
* God rest you merry gentlemen (AHB 233, Anon. English)
* God rest you merry people all (AHB 233, Anon. English)
God, we praise you, God, we bless you (TIS 99, Christopher M. Idle)
** Good Christian men rejoice (TIS 313 + AHB 238) (BOP 141) (Ch4 322)
** Good Christians, all rejoice (TIS 313 + AHB 238) (BOP 141) (Ch4 322)
God's love made visible! (CH 171, Iola Brubeck)
Had He not loved us
* Hail to the Lord's anointed (TIS 275 + AHB 203) (BOP 115)
      (NCH 104) (UMH 203) (CH 140)
** Hark the glad sound! The Saviour comes (TIS 269 + AHB 197) (BOP 118)
** Hark! The herald angels sing (TIS 303 + AHB 227) (BOP 139) (Ch4 301)
He became poor that we may be rich (TIS 721, John L. Bell)
** He came down that we may have love (Ch4 359, trad. From Cameroon)
He is born, little child
Heaven invited you to a party (SCE 150, Graham Kendrick)
* He is born, the holy Child (BOP 169) (UMH 228, "Il Est Ne", French Carol)
Heaven invited you to a party (SCE 150, Graham Kendrick)
Heavenly message, brought by an angel
Her baby, newly breathing (CH 158, Brian A. Wren)
Here is the center: star on distant star
Holy night, blessed night (Ph 33, Mandarin Carol)
* Hope is a star (BOP 119, Brian A. Wren) (VU 7)
Hosanna to the living Lord
How brightly beams the morning star! (AHB 220)
I am for you (HSNW, John L. Bell, The Iona Community)
I am the light of the world
* I come from heaven high to tell (Ch4 297-298, Martin Luther 1483-1546)
I come from hevin [heich] to tell
I danced in the morning when the world was begun (TIS 242 + AHB 183,
      Sydney Carter 1915-2004)
I heard the voice of Jesus say (TIS 585 + AHB 500)
** I wonder as I wander, out under the sky (BOP 142, trad. John Jacob Niles
      (CH 161)
Il’ Est Ne (BOP 169, French “He is born! Now the child has come”) (UMH 228)
Immanuel, O Immanuel (SCE 219, Graham Kendrick)
* In a dusty old place called Bethlehem (ATO 338, Matthew Thiele,
      "God in Human Shoes")
In Bethlehem a Babe was born (Ph 34, Barbara Mays)
** In Bethlehem a new-born boy (BOP 140) (Ph 35, Rosamond E. Herklots)
** Infant holy, infant lowly (BOP 143, Polish Carol)
** In the bleak midwinter, frosty winds made moan (BOP 145)
       (CH$ 305) (Ph 36) (UMH 221) (NCH 128)
In the fields near Bethlehem (TIS 327 + SA 51, Chinese, tr. Wesley Milgate)
In the name of Jesus
"Innkeepers & Light Sleepers" (Carols by John Bell and The Iona Community)
** It came upon the midnight clear (BOP 148) (Ph 38) (UMH 218)
      (CH 153) (NCH 131)
** It was on a starry night when the hills were bright (Ch4 302, Joy Webb)
It was poor little Jesus
It's a surprise Gibson (GBEAT2) [child-friendly]
It's Christmas (DMAC, David MacGregor) [child-friendly]
Jesus, hope of every nation
Jesus, good above all other
* Jesus, how lovely You are (AA 30, ‘E te Ariki’, Maori Song)
** Jesus is born: formed in a womb and now baby (Ch4 311, Pat Bennett)
Joy is now in every place
Jesus, Jesus, oh, what a wonderful child (NCH 136, Spiritual)
Jesus joy (SASB, Currie [child-friendly]
Jesus, Name of wondrous love
* Jesus, our brother, king and good (BOP 150) (NCH 138)
      (UMH 227, "The Friendly Beasts")
Jesus, our brother, strong and good (BOP 150) (NCH 138)
      (UMH 227, "The Friendly Beasts")
Jesus, tempted in the desert (Ch4 338)
Joseph, your love of life brought an engagement (TIS 328, Patrick G. Michaels)
** Joseph dearest, Joseph mine (TFWS 2099)
** Joy to the world! The Lord is come (TIS 268 + AHB 224)
      (BOP 153) (Ch4 320) (CH 143)
Joyful, joyful, Christmas day is here (Ph 39, Toshiaki Okamoto)
Let all mortal flesh keep silence (TIS 497 + AHB 418)
Let all together praise our God (TIS 298)
* Let earth and heaven combine (TIS 305 + AHB 229, by Charles Wesley)
Let folly praise that fancy loves
* Let heaven and earth combine (TIS 305 + AHB 229)
Let us even now go to Bethlehem (NCH 142, Philippines Carol)
Lift up your heads, ye gates of brass (TIS 267 + AHB 381)
Lift up your heads, you mighty gates (TIS 267 + AHB 381)
** Lo, how a rose e'er blooming (TIS 294, Es Ist Ein Ros) (Ph 48)
      (UMH 216) (CH 160) (NCH 127)
Lord, bid Your servant go in peace (TIS 324 + AHB 248)
Lord Christ, when first You came (Ph 7)
Lord, I lift your name on high (P&W 736/SCE 330, Founds)
Lord, the light of your love is shining (TIS 675, Graham Kendrick)
** Lord, You were rich beyond all splendour (BOP 
134, Frank Houghton, 1894-1972)
      (Ch4 318) [para. 2 Cor. 8:9]
* Love came down at Christmas (TIS 317 + AHB 243) (Ch4 316)
Love divine, all loves excelling (TIS 217 + AHB 148)
Make way, make way, for Christ the King (Graham Kendrick)
Many and great, O God, are Thy works
Mary, blessed teenage mother
Mary's song (Palmer/Grant) [child-friendly]
May the grace of Christ our Saviour (TIS 777 + AHB 373)
Meekness and majesty
My God, how wonderful Thou art
My Master, see, the time has come (UMH 226)
Name of all majesty
Never in all human story was a sight so wondrous seen (TIS 320)
New songs of celebration render
No crowded eastern street
No other prophet
* Not on a snowy night (AA 98, Willow Macky, ‘Te Harinui’)
Now, Lord! According to thy word (Ch4 333, Scottish Paraphrases 1781)
Now yield we thanks and praise
O breath of life, come sweeping through us (TIS 409 + AHB 322)
** O come, all ye faithful (TIS 304 + AHB 228) (BOP 159) (Ch4 306)
O Christ, the Word Incarnate
O come and join the dance (SCE 381)
O come, little children
** O come, O come, Emmanuel (TIS 265 + AHB 193) (BOP 122) (NCH 116)(UMH 211)
      (CH 119) (Ph 9) (As One Voice I 174) (Gather Australia 285)
* O He is born (AA 107, Felicia Edgecombe)
O Holy Spirit, root of life (TFWS 2121)
** O how joyfully, O how hopefully (TIS 330, Brian A. Wren)
** O little Love who comes again (AA 108, Shirley E. Murray) (Ch4 329)
      [New Zealand carol]
** O little one sweet, O little one mild
** O little town of Bethlehem (TIS 316 + AHB 240) (BOP 164,165) (Ch4 304)
O Lord, how shall I meet You? (VU 31)
O Morning Star, how fair and bright (UMH 247)
O praise ye the Lord! praise him in the height
O Saviour of our fallen race
O sing a new song to the Lord (TIS 56 + AHB 196)
O sleep now, holy baby (Ph 45, Hispanic Folk Song)
O sleep, dear holy Baby (Ph 45, Hispanic Folk Song)
O splendour of God's glory bright
O Thou joyful, O Thou wonderful (CH 169, "Oh Santisimo!")
O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (TIS 454 + AHB 382)
** Of eternal love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (NCH 118)
      (UMH 184) (BOP 163) (Ch4 319)
** Of the Father's love begotten (TIS 290 + AHB 215) (NCH 118)
      (UMH 184) (BOP 163) (Ch4 319)
On a special kind of night (Vawser) [child-friendly]
** On Christmas night all Christians sing (TIS 300, English Trad.) (Ch4 294)
      (BOP 162, Trad. Arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams)
* On this day earth shall ring (Ph 46) (UMH 248, "Piae Cantiones")
** Once in royal David's city (TIS 312 + AHB 237) (BOP 166) (Ch4 315)
** One day an angel here on this earth (Ch4 299, Alison M. Robertson)
Our God put off His glory in coming down to earth 
(AHB 247, Batak Song, Sumatra)
Out of the flowing river (Ch4 335) [Baptism of Jesus]
Peace to you
People, look east (Ph 12)
People in darkness are looking for light (BOP 124, Dosia Carlson)
People who walk in darkness have sought (ATO 315, John Ylvisaker,
      "Drawn to the Light")
* Pull back the veil on the dawn of creation (TIS 326, John L. Bell
      and Graham Maule)
Redeemer of the nations, come
Rejoice, rejoice, rejoice (Ph 15)
Rejoice, the Lord is King (TIS 216 + AHB 147)
Rejoice, ye pure in heart!  (Ph 145,146)
* Rise up, shepherd, and follow (Ph 50, Spiritual,
      “There's a star in the East on Christmas morn …”) (TFWS 2096)
Rock-a-bye, my dear little boy (UMH 235, Czech Carol)
Run, run, run (GBEAT2, Beales) [child-friendly]
* Saviour of the nations, come (TIS 295, by Marin 
Luther, tr. David A. Schubert)
      (Ph 14)
* See! In yonder manger low (Ch4 313)
** See amid the winter's snow (BOP 168, Edward Caswall) (Ph 51)
** See him lying on a bed of straw (Ch4 310, Michael A. Perry 1942-1996)
      [Calypso Carol]
See the little baby born in manger (NCH 147, Donald Swift)
* Sheep fast asleep, there on a hill (Ph 52) (NCH 137, Genzo Miwa,
      Japanese Carol)
Shepherds, in the field abiding
Shine, Jesus, Shine (TIS 675, Graham Kendrick)
** Silent night! Holy night!  (TIS 311 + AHB 236, by Joseph Mohr) (BOP 154)
     (Ch4 309)
Sing a different song (NCH 150, The Iona Community)
Sing, O sing, this blessed morn
Sing out for joy, he is coming (ATW 434, Dell)
Sing till sundown, hum your joy
Sing to God new songs of worship
Sing we now of Christmas, Noel, sing we here! (French Carol)
Sleep, holy Child, now hid away
Song of Mary (Ph 600)
Songs of praise the angels sang
Stay, my child, my body sharing
** Still, still, still (BOP 152) (Ph 47, Austrian Carol)
* Still the night, holy the night! (Ch4 309) (TIS 
311 + AHB 236, by Joseph Mohr)
Still through the cloven skies they come (Ch4 303)
Take my life, and let it be (TIS 599 + AHB 520)
* Te Harinui (AA 98, Willow Macky, “Not on a snowy night…”)
Tell me the story (AOVK 65, Peter Combe) [child-friendly]
Thanks to God whose Word was spoken (TIS 431 + AHB 339)
* That boy-child of Mary was born in a stable (BOP 155) (Ph 55)
      (UMH 241, Tom Colvin)
** The angel Gabriel from heaven came (TIS 302 + AHB 222) (Ch4 285) (Ph 16)
The brightness of God's glory
The darkness turns to dawn
The desert shall rejoice and blossom as a rose 
(BOP 783, Gracia Grindal) (Ph 18)
** The first Nowell the angel did say (TIS 301 + AHB 221) (BOP 136) (Ch4 323)
The God of Abraham praise (TIS 125 + AHB 53)
The grace of God has dawned upon the world
* The hands that first held Mary's Child (BOP 158, Thomas H. Troeger)
The Lord is King! lift up thy voice (AHB 64)
The Lord will come and not be slow (AHB 194)
The maker of the sun and moon (AHB 244)
The north wind is tossing the leaves (TIS 322 + AHB 246, John Wheeler)
The people that in darkness sat (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
The people that in darkness walked (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
The race the long in darkness pined (TIS 274 + AHB 202)
** The snow lay on the ground, the stars shown bright (BOP 157)
      (Ph 57, Anglo-Irish Carol)
The special light of Christmas (Ellers/McAlister/Hudson) [child-friendly]
* The tyrant issues his decree (Ch4 330, Iain D. Cunningham)
      [The Holy Innocents]
** The Virgin Mary had a baby boy (TIS 307 + AHB 232, Anon. West Indies)
      (Ch4 300)
* The wind blew keen (AA 141, Colin Gibson)
The Word whom earth and sea and sky
There's a light upon the mountains (TIS 276 + AHB 207)
There's a song in the air! (UMH 249) (CH 159)
There's a star in the East on Christmas morn (Ph 50, Spiritual,
      "Rise Up, Shepherd, and Follow")
This child (SCE 511)
This Child secretly comes
Thou who wast rich beyond all splendour
Thy kingdom come! on bended knee
To a maid engaged to Joseph (Ph 19)
To a maid whose name was Mary (BOP 130, Gracia Grindel)
To God be the glory, great things he has done (TIS 147 + AHB 85)
* To us a child of royal birth (TIS 308 + AHB 230, by Charles Wesley)
** 'Twas in the moon of wintertime (BOP 144, Huron Carol) (CH 166)
      (Ph 61) (NCH 151) (UMH 244)
** Unto us a boy is born! (TIS 293 + AHB 218) (BOP 160) (Ch4 311)
** Unto us a child is born! (TIS 293 + AHB 218) (BOP 160) (Ch4 311)
Watchman, tell us of the night (Ph 20)
We believe You are the way (ATO 314, Sharny Russell-Schlencker, "Come to Us")
We have a gospel to proclaim (TIS 245 + AHB 189)
What Adam's disobedience cost
** What child is this, who laid to rest? (BOP 161, William Chatterton Dix)
      (Ph 53) (NCH 148) (UMH 219) (CH 162) (Tune: Greensleeves)
What if the one who shapes the stars
What kind of greatness
When Christmas morn is dawning, I wish that I could be (UMH 232)
* When long before time (VU 248)
When Mary brought her treasure (Ch4 332, Jan Struther 1901-1953)
When our God came to earth
When the crimson sun had set
Where is this stupendous stranger?
Where shepherds lately knelt (BOP 167, Jaroslav J. Vajda)
* While by the sheep we watched at night (CH 170, "How Great Our Joy!")
While humble shepherds watched their flocks (Ch4 
296, Scottish Paraphrases 1781)
* While shepherds watched their flocks by night (TIS 299 + AHB 223) (BOP 138)
* Who is the baby an hour or two old? (TIS 325, John L. Bell and Graham Maule)
Who would have dreamed it?
** Who would think that what was needed (Ch4 295, John L. Bell & Graham Maule)
      (NCH 153)
* Wise men, they came to look for wisdom (Ch4 328, Christopher M. Idle)
Wonderful Counsellor, Jesus
Wonderful Counsellor, mighty God among us
Wonderful Counsellor, the mighty God
Word of the Father, source of all things living
Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness (TIS 454 + AHB 382)
Ye who own the faith of Jesus
You are the mighty King (Song 677, Eddie Espinosa)
You shall go out with joy (TIS 755, Steffi G. Rubin ‘Trees of the Field’)


====[ A FEATURED HYMN, From Hymsite.Com ]====

"WHAT CHILD IS THIS?"

Words by William C. Dix
Music from 16th cent. English melody
Tune Name: GREENSLEEVES

Have you ever looked into the eyes of new babies 
and wondered what the future holds for them? What 
will they do in their lifetime? Who will they 
grow up to be? Where will they leave their mark?

I have four children. The second one had a 
difficult delivery that resulted in a cracked 
collarbone. The baby could not lie down without 
suffering severe pain, and consequently I spent a 
great deal of time holding and rocking this 
child. Although we did not have the benefit of 
verbal communication, I really believe that we 
got to know each other very well over the course 
of the following days and weeks. Sometimes I 
would talk in a quiet voice, wondering out loud 
who I was holding, never expecting an answer but 
always wishing for one. This was my own child, no 
doubt. You could see familiar characteristics 
from each parent. But this tiny baby was a 
mystery to me. This child was a complete, 
separate person with a separate mind and a 
separate will, different abilities and different 
opportunities. The world was (and still is) 
constantly changing around us. How would this 
growing child deal with this changing world? I 
never heard an answer to that question, but I 
continue to receive pieces of the answer every 
day as the future becomes the present, and then 
the past. I have to wait and watch as the story unfolds.

How many thoughts and questions must have run 
through Mary's mind as she held the newborn 
Christ child? She had seen an angel who gave her 
a special message from God about this child, but 
the angel could not answer Mary's questions. She 
had spoken with Joseph who was also visited by an 
angel, but Joseph could not answer Mary's 
questions. She had spoken with Elizabeth who was 
also visited by an angel, but Elizabeth could not 
answer Mary's questions. She was visited by 
shepherds who had also heard the angels, but the 
shepherds could not answer Mary's questions. Soon 
she would be visited by magi who followed a star, 
but they could not answer Mary's questions, 
either. No, none of them could answer all of the 
questions that went through her mind when she 
looked into the face of her precious child and 
wondered what the future held for him. Like us, 
Mary would find the answer only by waiting and watching as the story unfolded.

This week's featured hymn was written by William 
Dix (1837-1898). With the benefit of the Gospel 
stories and centuries of tradition in the 
Christian church, he could answer some of the 
questions that Mary must have had. But he doesn't 
go into very much detail. Instead, he tells the 
same news that the angels did. Dix tells us that 
this is Mary's son. The shepherds came to see him 
in the manger. The magi came to worship him. This 
little child is Christ the King. We find nothing new here.

Like Dix, we know more of Jesus' story than Mary 
did when she held him in the stable. We know 
about Christ's fasting and temptations in the 
wilderness. We know about his baptism and 
ministry. We have heard his parables and his 
lessons. Most of all, we know of his crucifixion, 
death, and resurrection. So why didn't Dix write 
about these? One fairly straightforward reason is 
that this is a Christmas hymn. Perhaps, though, 
we can find a deeper meaning for ourselves. 
Maybe--just maybe--the stories of the past and 
the history of Christ in the Gospels are only the 
beginning. Maybe we are (or should be) still 
waiting and watching as the story of Christ in 
our own lives unfolds before us each and every 
day. Maybe this is where we can explore another, 
deeper meaning for our lives during the Advent season.

As you read the words of the hymn this week, 
think of the mysteries and expectations that 
accompany the birth of a new child. Think of the 
mysteries and expectations of your walk with 
Christ. Think of the coming of Christ the King.

1. What child is this who, laid to rest,
    on Mary's lap is sleeping?
    Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
    while shepherds watch are keeping? ... (Refrain)

Refrain: 	This, this is Christ the King,
          	whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
		haste, haste to bring him laud,
		the babe, the son of Mary.

2. Why lies he in such mean estate
    where ox and ass are feeding?
    Good Christians, fear, for sinners here
    the silent Word is pleading ... (Refrain)

3. So bring him incense, gold, and myrrh,
    come, peasant, king, to own him;
    the King of kings salvation brings,
    let loving hearts enthrone him ...(Refrain)


May the memory, the mystery, and the expectation 
of Christ the King, the babe, the son of Mary, be 
ever present in your heart and in your mind as 
the blessed celebration of Jesus' birth approaches.

God bless you--
Lection@HymnSite.com


===[ WORDS TO SOME FAVOURITE CAROLS ]===

"GOD'S SURPRISE"
[Tune: Scarlet Ribbons]

1. Who would think that what was needed
    To transform and save the earth
    Might not be a plan or army,
    Proud in purpose, proved in worth?
    Who would think, despite derision,
    That a child should lead the way?
    God surprises earth with heaven,
    Coming here on Christmas Day.

2. Shepherds watch and wise men wonder,
    Monarchs scorn and angels sing;
    Such a place as none would reckon
    Hosts a holy helpless thing;
    Stable beasts and by-passed stranger
    Watch a baby laid in hay:
    God surprises earth with heaven
    Coming here on Christmas Day.

3. Centuries of skill and science
    Span the past from which we move,
    Yet experience questions whether,
    With such progress, we improve.
    While the human lot we ponder,
    Lest our hopes and humour fray,
    God surprises earth with heaven
    Coming here on Christmas Day.

		© Iona Community.

–––––––––––––––––––-

"MARY HAD A BABY"

1. Mary had a baby, my Lord.
    Mary had a baby, my Lord.
    Mary had a baby, Mary had a baby,
    O my Lord!

2. What did she call Him, my Lord? ...

3. She named Him King Jesus, my Lord ...

4. Where was He born, my Lord? ...

5. Born in a stable, my Lord ...

6. Who came to see Him?...

7. The shepherds came to see Him...

8. Mary had a baby, my Lord ...

–––––––––––––––––––-

"OUR GOD PUT OFF HIS GLORY"

1. Our God put off His glory in coming down to earth;
    He took on human frailty through Christ the Saviour's birth.
    No place could be found for him except a cattle stall.
    We give Him room within our hearts, the infant Lord of all.

2. Still with us hear abiding, from death to life restored,
    He comes to gently seeking, and asking to be Lord:
    But even now turned aside by freeman and by thrall,
    He waits to be invited in, the rightful Lord of all.

     -- From a Batak Song (Sumatra) tr. Ian Harris (1964)

–––––––––––––––––––-

"O CHRISTMAS TREE"

1. O Christmas, O Christmas Tree,
    Your branches green delight us.
    O Christmas, O Christmas Tree,
    Your branches green delight us.
    They're green when Summer days are bright,
    They're green when Winter snow is white.
    O Christmas, O Christmas Tree,
    Your branches green delight us.

2. O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
    You give us so much pleasure.
    O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
    You give us so much pleasure.
    How oft' at Christmas tide the sight,
    O green fir tree,  gives us delight.
    O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree,
    You give us so much pleasure.

–––––––––––––––––––-

"O CHRISTMAS LIGHTS"

O Christmas lights, bright Christmas lights,
You tell the Christmas story...(2x)
Your gentle glow shone in the stall
Where Mary bore the Lord of all.
O Christmas lights, bright Christmas lights,
You tell the Christmas story!

–––––––––––––––––––-

"CHRISTMAS IN THE SCRUB"

1. At Christmas time, the birds all sing,
    the rabbits jump, the lizards crawl,
    At Christmas time, the outback rings-
    And all for the birth of God!

REFRAIN:
    At the birth of God: the wallabies hop,
    For the birth of God: the cockatoos squawk
    For the birth of God: the platypus swims,
    For the birth of God: the kookaburras laugh,
    For the birth of God was such exciting news
    They'd never heard before:
    They came from all the land to see
    The Baby in the straw!

2. And if you were there, you would've seen the wise old kangaroo...
    O I've starved in droughts and swum the floods,
    I've hopped around both up and down,
    Through hills and plains I've never seen-
    Such a baby in the straw!  ... (Refrain)

3. And if you were there, you would've seen the wise little bandicoot...
    O I've snuffled and fossicked the midnight scrub,
    I've been in logs and fogs and bogs,
    Well, bless my days, I've never heard-
    Of a baby in the straw! ... (Refrain)

4. And if you were there, you would've heard the wise old noisy crow..
    O I've flown this land, seen many a baby  --
    born in burrows, trees and  furrows,
    Yet this one outshines them all-
    This baby in the straw!  ... (Refrain)

–– by Leigh Newton. (Copyright 1984.)