Prepare the Way Worship Series, week 3: DO
December 16, 2018 — Third 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

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 203
Recommended Key: A
Tempo: 100–106 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: This traditional Advent hymn includes Scripture references from Psalm 72, but it also uses some fairly florid language (i.e., “he comes with succor speedy”) that might require some more explanation. Images of justice and hope are prevalent, so sing boldly with confidence.
Resources: History of Hymns
Simplified keyboard accompaniment

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 139
Recommended Key: F
Tempo: 100–106 bpm (in three); 130–136 (in one)
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: This Joachim Neander hymn is widely sung across the western church and has a special place in the repertoire of many choirs. Building to the climactic phrase in the last stanza, “Let the amen sound from his people again,” this hymn makes a great option to sing any time during the Christian year.
Resources: History of Hymns

When Words Alone Cannot Express

Source: Worship & Song, 3012
Recommended Key: E♭
Tempo: 68–74 bpm
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: Using the familiar LASST UNS ERFREUEN tune, this hymn has a timely quality that draws attention to times of celebration and times of grief and pain. Hymn writer John Thornburg expertly does this by using the word “when” several times throughout the work. The response is the same every time: “Bring music!” This hymn works well to sing in the midst of trying circumstances, but it also is most appropriate to celebrate the ministry of music within a congregation.
Resources: History of Hymns

Depth of Mercy

Source: The United Methodist Hymnal, 355; Worship & Song, 3097
Recommended Key: D (CANTERBURY); G (GOTTES ZEIT)
Tempo: 88–94 bpm (CANTERBURY); 66–72 bpm (GOTTES ZEIT)
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: Either of these tunes works well to support Charles Wesley’s highly emotional and personal text. This hymn stands at the forefront of Wesley’s canon to speak to individuals who finds themselves as the recipient (new or experienced) of God’s grace. The GOTTES ZEIT tune allows the congregation to repeat the last line and have a lengthened moment of reflection upon each stanza.
Resources: History of Hymns
Hymn Study

It’s Me, It’s Me, O Lord (Standing in the Need of Prayer)

Source: Songs of Zion, 110; Zion Still Sings, 149; The United Methodist Hymnal, 352
Recommended Key: G
Tempo: 110–116 bpm (in 4)
Instrumentation: a cappella, keyboard if needed
Notes: As with spirituals, it is preferred to sing them authentically by singing a cappella if possible. Between the arrangements in these collections, there are options on how to sing. In Songs of Zion and Zion Still Sings, the first part of each stanza is sung by a leader, with the congregation responding with “standing in the need of prayer.” It is possible for the congregation to sing the entire song, but performance practice from these sources would recommend using a leader/response format. This song is also well-led by children in the church, so have them exercise their leadership by singing and leading this in worship.

Down by the Jordan

Source:Worship & Song, 3045
Recommended Key: F
Tempo: 100–106 bpm (in three); 130–136 (in one)
Instrumentation: Organ or piano
Notes: Using the same tune (LOBE DEN HERREN) as “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty,” Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has crafted a text that includes John’s call for repentance and righteous living.
Resources: Hymn download

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