TALLIS' CANON 8.8.8.8 ("All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night") Lord, we confess we turn away The very ones we need today. God’s prophets speak out loud and clear, Yet prophets still aren’t welcomed here. You grieved for old Jerusalem For you were like a mother hen Who brought her brood beneath her wings— While they were drawn to other things. Lord, call us out and draw us in when we would rather side with sin— Let the prophetic things you say still challenge how we live this day. May we who listen to your voice, Be still, be wise, then make a choice. You call us to a life that’s new; Lord, may we now return to you. Biblical Reference: Luke 13:31-35 Tune: Thomas Tallis, 1561 Text: Copyright © 2019 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Click here to return to the order page to purchase the scored music of this hymn. … [Read more...]

Christmas Year C Jesus’ Parents Left the Temple W ZLOBIE LEZY 4.4.7.4.4.7.4.4.4.4.7 ("Infant Holy, Infant Lowly") Jesus’ parents left the Temple with a traveling caravan. They were sure their son was with them as they left Jerusalem. Soon they cried, “We cannot find him!” He was somehow left behind them, So they went to search for him. They went back and finally found him with the teachers of the Law. What they witnessed was astounding! What a wondrous sight they saw. For the questions he was raising Showed his knowledge was amazing; All who heard him were in awe. Still his mother had to scold him, for she’d known a parent’s fear. “We were worried!” Mary told him. “when we could not find you near!” Jesus answered Mary, saying, “Did you not know I’d be staying In my Father’s house, right here?” God of love, with earthly parents, Jesus listened, learned, and grew. In the Temple, in your presence, he knew he was home with you. We’re reminded of his … [Read more...]

Third Sunday of Advent – Year C Sing Out, All God’s People! ADESTE FIDELES 6.6.10.5.6.7.7.7.4 (“O Come, All Ye Faithful”) Sing out, all God’s people! Shout what God is doing! We need not fear the things that hurt or destroy; God is here with us, healing and renewing. O Lord, we know your presence, We trust that you are with us, We thank you that you bless us, Giving us joy. Our God loves the outcast, saves the weak and suffering, Deals with oppressors, turns our shame into praise. God, in great love, lifts up the poor and struggling. O Lord, we know your presence, We trust that you are with us, We thank you that you bless us All of our days. O Lord, we’re reminded in this holy season: Though we may struggle we are never alone. Christ is our joy, our hope and peace unending: In Christ, we know your presence; You heal us and restore us, You give us joy and bless us, Bringing us home. Biblical texts: Zephaniah 3:14-20 Tune: Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred … [Read more...]

Second Sunday of Advent – Year C "Behold," Said God, "I'm Sending One" WINCHESTER OLD CM (“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”) "Behold," said God, "I'm sending one who shall prepare my way. My messenger will make me known, But who can bear that day?" For when he comes, old ways will die; We'll change what we have been. Like fire or soap he'll purify And cleanse us from our sin. We wonder, Lord: what needs to change? What sins do we hold dear? What values should we rearrange? What judgments should we hear? May we be open to the ways You cleanse and make us new; And may we in these Advent days Be glad to welcome you. Biblical Reference: Malachi 3:1-4 Tune: Este’s Psalmes, 1592 Text: Copyright © 2012 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved. Click here to go to the hymn order page. … [Read more...]