Advent begins with a call to get ready, and it is a reminder to get out of our sense of complacency. However, it is hard to be complacent when things are difficult. When all is going well, then we need the two-by-four of Advent to wake us up. But when things are difficult, we use Advent as a prayer, as a reminder to hope. The following are some hymn suggestions that pair with the selected readings for this worship series.
Abbreviations:
- UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
- TFWS: The Faith We Sing
- W&S: Worship and Song
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Advent 4 ushers us into the final chapter of waiting—gestation. Proclaim the truth about the love of God growing in Mary’s womb and living in our hearts today. This is, ultimately, everything we need as we transition from the end of Advent in the morning to welcoming the Christ child in the evening.
- Hail to the Lord’s Anointed UMH 203
- Blessed Be the God of Israel UMH 209
- That Boy-Child of Mary UMH 241
- Jesus, the Light of the World W&S 3056
- My Soul Gives Glory to My God UMH 198
- Tell Out, My Soul UMH 200
- Canticle of Turning
- My Soul Proclaims with Wonder
- Shout to the North W&S 3042
Christmas Eve
The Light that is born this night is a Light that stays with us in all things, in all places, and in all circumstances. So turn off the lights, and welcome our wondrous Light, God with us. We love our Christmas Eve carols and we want to offer them to our congregation, but think about a creative way to help them experience the songs anew, such as having someone sing the German verse of “Silent Night” or the Latin verse of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” There are also new harmonizations and settings of these well-known carols that the choir or praise band can present.
- O Come, All Ye Faithful UMH 234
- Silent Night, Holy Night UMH 239
- On Christmas Night W&S 3064
- Welcome to Our World W&S 3067
- Light of the World W&S 3177
- Jesus, the Light of the World W&S 3056