We invite our loyal readers to incorporate these into their Sunday worship, and to send us a note to let us know how the congregation responds.
When Old Zechariah Saw What God Had Done
A Hymn for the Second Sunday of Advent/Year C – December 6, 2009
MUELLER 11.11.11.11 (“Away in a Manger” PH # 25)
When old Zechariah saw what God had done,
He knew that the promised Messiah would come.
His speech was restored and his friends were amazed;
Recalling his words, we now offer God praise:
You’ve looked down with favor and rescued your own.
You’ve sent us a Savior from King David’s throne.
The prophets once told us, “It’s part of God’s plan!”
And now we behold this: We’re saved by your hand.
You keep what you promise and so we are blest;
In mercy you saved us when we were oppressed.
As Abraham heard you, we’ve heard your call too;
We’re saved, so we’ll serve you in all that we do.
We thank you, O God, that John pointed the way;
In Jesus our Lord now, we’ve seen your new day.
In Christ, the dawn brightens and death’s shadows cease;
We’ll live in your light and be guided in peace.
Biblical reference: Luke 1:57-79
Tune: James Ramsey Murray, 1887.
Text: Copyright © 2009 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.
E-mail: [email protected]
Carolyn Winfrey Gillette is the author of Songs of Grace: New Hymns for God and Neighbor (Discipleship Resources/Upper Room Books, 2009) and Gifts of Love: New Hymns for Today’s Worship (Geneva Press, 2000) and the co-pastor of Limestone Church in Wilmington, Del.
After seeing this example of Carolyn Winfrey Gillette’s new Advent hymn texts set to familiar Christmas carols (there are four, one for each Sunday of Advent), if you want an integrated text and music page that can be printed out and used in programs, bulletin inserts, etc. please click here for further information.
