You can find a YouTube playlist here with many of the songs suggested below.
Gathering
This week has a focus on the Virgin Mary and so you might want to begin with a classic hymns which links to this such as The Angel Gabriel from heaven came (CH 285), Lo, how a rose e’er blooming (Hymnary) or Creator of the stars of night (CH 288) while for a more contemporary song you could consider a general gathering song such as Now the heavens start to whisper (GWA 98 / GIA) which can be sung to the traditional Welsh tune Suo Gan, Advent Hymn (CCLI) or Emmanuel (link).
If you are using an Advent candle lighting song then Christmas is coming (CH 282 / CP 34) and Advent candles tell their story (STF 165 / link) are good options for the pattern of Hope, the Prophets, John the Baptist, and the Virgin Mary, while Hope is a candle, once lit by the prophets (CH 284) and We are a people of hope (GWA 90 / Hope) work well for the Hope, Peace, Love, Joy themes.
Word
You might like to use a short Advent song before the reading of scripture. This is a good opportunity to give some musical continuity to the season, either by using the same song each week or by using songs in a similar style. The following songs all have a similar text, praying for Jesus to come, but use a mix of English, Latin and Aramaic: Maranatha (GWA 92 / MV 19), Come, come Emmanuel (link), Veni, veni (WGRG), and Veni Immanuel (WGRG). There are also some settings of plainchant which can work well here as continuity through the season, with the simplicity of the music allowing an opportunity for the power of the words to really sink in. The Advent Prose (NEH 501) is widely sung throughout Advent while O heavenly Word of God on high (NEH 2) would be another option.
This is one of the weeks where a Canticle (a song from the Bible) is used instead of a Psalm. The Song of Mary is better known by the first word in its Latin text - the Magnificat. One of the main critiques of many settings is that they can diminish the radical nature of the text and to counter that the Canticle of the turning (WGRG / PFAS 75B / MV 120) is a great option, set to a well known tune which can be accompanied in many different styles. My soul gives glory (PFAS 1042) is another possibility if you are looking for something in the form of a metrical hymn, With Mary let my soul rejoice (link) has a bit of a jazzier feel to it, and My soul magnifies the Lord (CCLI) is a rare worship song which links to this text. If you prefer to sing this responsorially then Magnificat (GWA 37 / WGRG) or Magnificat (Taizé) are great short options for a congregation to pick up and you could even contrast this with reading a more contemporary translation of the text such as that by Joy Cowley (GWA 94 / link). Magnificat (link) by Rain for Roots already has that idea as part of their recording and you could use either both or just one of the choruses.
The alternative reading is Psalm 80 which does not have many well known settings. However, Restore us again (PFAS / pdf) would be easy to pick up and use responsorially. For a metrical setting, O Shepherd, hear and lead your flock (PFAS / Hymnary) is set to the tune used in North America for O Little town of Bethlehem, so you have the option to use that or to use 'Forest Green' which would hint towards the coming of Christmas for those in the UK. Shine on us (CCLI) is an option which focuses on just the repeated cry in verses 3, 7 and 19 rather than setting the whole psalm.
Response
There are many songs about Mary but less about the specific passage in Luke where Mary visits Elizabeth. Blessed are you among women (link) is based on v42 and could be introduced as a call and response while Centuries of waiting / The angels say (GWA 91 / Fischy) would link to the broader story of this chapter with Zechariah in v2 and Mary in v3 (it’s worth just singing vv.1,2,3 and 7 for length). Another angle on this passage it that it’s one of those rare bits of the Bible where two women interact without any men so you could also consider songs about women in the Bible such as There is a line of women (WGRG), sung to the Seven joys of Mary, God of the women (Carolyn) and For all the faithful women (Hymnary) while A mother lined a basket (Hymnary) specifically focuses on motherhood. More general songs about Mary would also work, including any of the songs suggested for the gathering, Canticle or sending, as well as No wind at the window (CH 287) or The Virgin Mary had a baby boy (CH 300).
Mayenziwe / Your will be done (CH 805) would be a great song for the Epistle as it echoes the repeated line throughout the passage. You could also consider Now, my tongue, the mystery telling (CH 667) which is one of the most ancient hymn texts still sung today and would be particularly appropriate for communion.
O little town of Bethlehem (CH 304 / MP 503) is an obvious song to link to the Old Testament while Long ago prophets knew (Hymnary / Hope), Come, thou long-expected Jesus (CH 472 / MP 102) and Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes (CH 277 / MP 210) would all speak to the prophetic nature of this passage. The final verse would link nicely to the wonderful Korean song Ososo / Come now O prince of peace (CH 275).
Sending
There are some great songs inspired by the Magnificat which would make wonderful sending songs such as Tell out, my soul (CH 286 / MP 631), When out of poverty is born (CH 291) and Canticle of the turning (WGRG / PFAS 75B / MV 120). Some other more general options as we approach Christmas are Blessed and holy (GWA 95 / OCP), Waiting here for you (CCLI) and The time has come (WGRG) which is set to Sussex Carol.
Comments