Prepare the Way Worship Series, week 2: REFINE
December 9, 2018 — Second Sunday of Advent

The following selections are congregational songs (most of which are chosen from this week’s Hymn Suggestions) with notes on key, tempo, and instrumentation, along with some practical and creative considerations in singing.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 211
Recommended Key: E minor
Tempo: 108–116 bpm
Instrumentation: a cappella (unison or parts), organ, piano, or band
Notes: Very few Advent songs will be sung as well by congregations as this hymn. The tune is old (15th century), but the text is older (9th century)! Join in singing a song embraced by the church for ages as a theme song throughout the Advent season. Because of the key, there are numerous possibilities for instrumental accompaniment, including keyboard instruments, or any variety of bands or ensembles. Create a zimbelstern effect with a handbell random ring on one or more stanzas. The “O Antiphons” are included on the opposite page of the hymns, and they also work well as complementary liturgical pieces for worship.
Resources: History of Hymns
VENI EMMANUEL Doxology

Even So Come

Source: CCLI #7036288
Recommended Key: E♭–F
Tempo: 52–55 bpm (dotted quarter)
Instrumentation: Full band, guitar, or piano
Notes: This modern favorite would also make a great theme song throughout the season of Advent. The line, “Even so, come, Lord Jesus, come,” will stick in the ears and minds of parishioners through the week. Conversation needs to be had in your context around some of the language in the song, however. Even though the use of “bride” and “bridegroom” is scriptural, the context of a “bride waiting for her groom” may need some attention for worship planning teams. See the CCLI Top 100 Project lists and rationales (found in resources below) for more information.
Resources: CCLI Top 100 Song Lists and Rationales

Change My Heart, O God

Source: Zion Still Sings, 178; The Faith We Sing, 2152
Recommended Key: C
Tempo: 80–92 bpm
Instrumentation: Piano or guitar with Latin percussion
Notes: The tempo range provided is wide because of the difference in the character of the song at a given time in worship. It can be more reflective and slower, or more up-tempo and anticipatory. This song can work well in either Advent or Lent and as a general response to a prayer of confession.

Love Divine, All Loves Excelling

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 384
Recommended Key: B♭(BEECHER) or F (HYFRYDOL)
Tempo: 104–108 bpm (either tune)
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: Many 87.87 D tunes are appropriate for this Charles Wesley text. Note that the format of the hymn mirrors the Wesleyan Way of Salvation and understanding of grace.
Resources: History of Hymns

Prepare the Way of the Lord

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 207
Recommended Key: E♭
Tempo: 66–72 bpm
Instrumentation: a cappella, with or without percussion
Notes: This brief chorus from the Taizé Community in France is intended to be sung as a four-part canon, with each group beginning two measures apart. This can be more easily undertaken by having the congregation sing the entire melody through once or twice in unison, and then directing them to enter by the position of the seating section. A choir can be most helpful, with choir members ready to sing in canon as well. This short chorus works well as a processional by a choir at the beginning of worship, and children can also lead this short song effectively! If you have handbells, a repetitive ostinato pattern with the chords Eb, Ab, Eb can also add a musical and visual element to the worship service, and this simple of a pattern can be played while processing.

Toda la Tierra (All Earth Is Waiting)

Source: Mil Voces Para Celebrar, 78; The United Methodist Hymnal, 210
Recommended Key: D
Tempo: 88–94 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ, piano, or guitar with percussion
Notes: The anticipation in this text is best supported with a lively tempo and bouncy, energetic rhythms. Both the Spanish and English, however, are quite wordy, so don’t let the tempo get too fast, or the text will become chaotic. The hymn cries out for justice and liberty, so it makes a perfect addition for the Advent season.
Resources: History of Hymns (Hawn)
History of Hymns (Davis)

People, Look East

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 202
Recommended Key: D
Tempo: 56–60 bpm (dotted quarter)
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes:A treble wind or string instrument and even a light hand drum or tambourine would be great additions to this hymn. Keep the lilt of the 6/8 meter in a dance-like character. If you have an SATB choir, be sure to rehearse them ahead of time on the parts. The staggered entrances on the third line are especially exciting for choir members!
Resources: History of Hymns
Simplified keyboard accompaniment

Wade in the Water

Source: Songs of Zion, 129; Zion Still Sings, 189; The Faith We Sing, 2107
Recommended Key: D minor–E minor
Tempo: 78–84 bpm
Instrumentation: a cappella, piano, guitar, or percussion if needed
Notes: This spiritual is well known throughout the church, even if it has not been sung in certain contexts. It makes a great congregational song, but it also offers the possibility of being a choral piece as well. The setting in The Faith We Sing can work well with an SATB choir and soloist. The phrase “God’s a-gonna trouble the water” can also serve as a sung response to other spoken parts of the liturgy (call to worship, call to prayer, etc.)
Resources: History of Hymns

Wild and Lone the Prophet’s Voice

Source: The Faith We Sing, 2089
Recommended Key: G minor (LA GRANGE), E minor (ABERYSTWYTH)
Tempo: 68–79 bpm (LA GRANGE), 84–90 bpm (ABERYSTWYTH)
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: I have offered two tunes for this hymn text to offer an alternate option that might be more familiar to your congregation. The LA GRANGE tune is very teachable and accessible for congregations, however, and I highly commend its use. The very title of this hymn creates an image of John that can be powerful and memorable, especially when combined with the hymn’s singing.
Resources: History of Hymns