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Hymns for Advent and Christmas – Year C

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The Presbyterian Outlook commissioned Presbyterian hymn writer, Carolyn Winfrey Gillette to compose Advent hymns set to familiar Christmas tunes and other well-loved hymns. Your hymn purchase includes downloads of  a PDF of the lyrics scored with the music for a half-page regular sheet of paper, a second PDF of the lyrics scored with music for a half-page of legal-sized paper (large print) and a document with lyrics only. You have permission to print as many copies as needed for your use. Advent wreath hymn “The Candle of Hope”  is a new hymn that is not geared to the lectionary passages. This new hymn follows the themes of each of the Sundays in Advent: Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. If you light Advent candles as part of your worship during the season, then this hymn is ideal! The words are set to the familiar tune of “O Worship the King, All Glorious Above.” The Candle of Hope (preview of full hymn text) “The candle of hope we light in this hour, proclaims that the Lord is … [Read more...]

Tagged With: Advent • Christmas

One Day, Naomi and Ruth Crossed the Border (free hymn)

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One Day, Naomi and Ruth Crossed the Border O QUANTA QUALIA 11.11.11.11 ("God of Compassion, in Mercy Befriend Us") One day, Naomi and Ruth crossed the border, Leaving a life filled with sorrow and pain. Cautious yet hopeful, they journeyed together. Bravely, they sought to start over again. What would we do if our loved ones had perished? What if we found we were hungry and poor? What would we do if the things we had cherished— Family and safety and hope— were no more? Would we remain in the land we had loved there? Would we stay home simply waiting to die? Or would we dare to cross over the border? Would we in faith give the journey a try? Would there be folks in the land to receive us— Even if some said, “You’re not from this place”? Would we cross freely? Would others believe us? Would people greet us with kindness and grace? One day, Naomi and Ruth crossed the border, This day, we see streams of new refugees. God, you have called us to welcome the … [Read more...]

O God, This Day We Grieve (free hymn)

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O God, This Day We Grieve LEONI 6.6.8.4 ("The God of Abraham Praise”) O God, this day we grieve your children who were lost, and we, as one, are horrified by hatred’s cost. For people loved by you— your children, called and blest— were murdered on their Sabbath Day of prayer and rest. We grieve for those who died, for families left behind, for those who wonder if this world can still be kind. So many lives were changed, so many dreams were crushed. There’s so much hatred! God, what has become of us? We thank you, God, for ones who bravely entered in, to serve and to protect, so hatred would not win— and for the ones who lead, we offer you this prayer: May they be good examples of respect and care. God, teach us all to love— and may we understand that hatred cannot have a place in this good land, and guns cannot secure the peace we pray will be. May we, together, build a true community. O God, unite us all, no matter how we pray, and may we work together for … [Read more...]

O God, When Trust is Shattered (free hymn)

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This new hymn was written in response to the latest news of abuse by clergy; it was written with input from survivors and counselors. The hymn also references Pope Francis’ August 20th letter, using in particular: “If one member suffers, all suffer together with it” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Please share the hymn with priests, pastors, church musicians, counselors, friends and others who might find it helpful. Permission is given for its free use. Prayers, including sung ones, and actions are needed to “Bring healing, love and mercy; Bring justice, God of truth.” O God, When Trust is Shattered PASSION CHORALE 7.6.7.6.D (“O Sacred Head, Now Wounded”) O God, when trust is shattered by wolves among your sheep, when youth and children suffer, when those remembering weep, when victims tell their stories, when leaders hide abuse, bring healing, love and mercy! Bring justice, God of truth! When leaders side with evil, when people do their worst, may we reach out to victims and … [Read more...]

When We Watch the Rescue (a free hymn)

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When We Watch the Rescue MUELLER 11.11.11.11 ("Away in a Manger") When we watch the rescue of children or youth, O God of great mercy, may we see your truth— That children are precious and you love each one. They’re made in your image— each daughter, each son. When we watch as children who crossed to this land Are locked in detention as part of some plan, May we be reminded that you love them, too; They’re made in your image; they’re precious to you. When we watch the little ones, hungry and poor, Who wait as our great nation closes the door, May we be reminded that as we treat them, We’re looking at Jesus and so treating him. O God, your Son taught us, and we know it’s true, That each single person is precious to you. O Lord, may we know it’s our mission today To welcome the children-- not turn them away. Biblical References: Matthew 19:13-15; Mark 10:13-16, Luke 18:15-17; Matthew 25:31-46 Tune: James Ramsey Murray, 1887 Text: Copyright © 2018 by Carolyn … [Read more...]

When Jesus Went to Egypt (a hymn)

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When Jesus Went to Egypt PASSION CHORALE 7.6.7.6 D ("O Sacred Head, Now Wounded")   When Jesus went to Egypt, Safe on his mother’s arm, His parents stayed beside him To keep him safe from harm. And when they crossed the border, They were allowed to be Together – seeking refuge – A Holy Family.   O God, we pray for children And families coming here Now facing separation, And filled with grief and fear.   For children, loved and treasured, Are ripped from loving kin. This deed, by any measure, Is torture. It’s a sin!O God, you’re like a mother Who won’t forsake her own.   You’re like a loving father Who welcomes his son home. Now give us, by your Spirit, The strength to challenge wrong, To seek the best for children, And keep all families strong.       Biblical references: Matthew 2:12-18; Isaiah 49:15; 66:13; Luke 15:11-32; Matthew 25:31–46   Tune: Hans Leo Hassler, 1601; … [Read more...]

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