Hymn suggestions for Sunday 1 December 2024
First Sunday of Advent
Hymns marked with an asterisk (*) are suggested for more than one reading
Hush the Noise is the Advent and Christmas worship resource for 2024-25. It’s based around the Christmas carol It came upon the midnight clear (StF 205), and follows the lectionary readings for this season.
The resource includes ideas for seven worship services, from Advent through to Epiphany. Specially chosen song and hymn suggestions are included. The writers say the ideas can be used as part of standalone services, but are even better if you use them all in order. There are also ideas for a carol service and ‘blue’ Christmas service, a service for people who struggle emotionally at this time, that can fit at any date. Download and explore all Hush the Noise resources.
The theme for today is: Hush the noise
Advent dawns with lights strung high and music everywhere,
Sights and smells abound around,
Senses assaulted and confused,
O hush the noise,
Let’s hear the angels sing.
Other starting points for ideas and links for planning your Advent Christmas services:
Singing the Faith’s One Stop Shop for Advent
Thirty second Christmas
Christingle and other resources
Or go to Advent and Christmas on our Liturgical Seasons page.
Today is also World AIDS Day. HIV and AIDS remain a deadly presence in many countries, and where the disease can be controlled, it is still stained with stigma. This year, the World AIDS Day organisers ask: “How will you help end HIV stigma?” See Hope in dark times: AIDS and Advent
Lighting of Advent candles (using verses as appropriate)
Advent candles tell their story (StF 165)
Candles we light upon the Advent Ring (website only)
'Christmas is coming!' The Church is glad to sing (StF 166)
Light a candle for Jesus the King (website only) (sung to “The Little Drummer Boy”)
Light a candle in a darkened place (StF 174)
Like a candle flame, flickering small in our darkness (StF 176)
The days are surely coming (website only) – especially suitable as we enter Year C of the Lectionary
Hush the noise services (above) include an Advent Candle Liturgy. Alternative liturgies can be found here.
Featured hymn for Advent
We wait in hope for hope to come, by Gareth Hill (website only) - consider singing this hymn each Sunday in Advent, to one of the three suggested tunes or one that your congregation is more familiar with.
Come thou long-expected Jesus (StF 169)
Hail to the Lord's Anointed (StF 228)
Praise to the God who clears the way (StF 183)
Sing we the King who is coming to reign (StF 185)
We wait in hope for hope to come (website only)
Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme
And I will wait now (website only)
Empty, broken, here I stand (StF 421)
Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go (StF 550)
Though the fruit tree doesn’t blossom (StF 93)
A new commandment (StF 242)
Author of Faith (StF 457) (esp. vv.4-6)
O for a heart to praise my God (StF 507)
As servants working an estate (StF 491) - draws upon Mark 13: 32-37
Darkness like a shroud covers the earth (StF 170)
Hills of the north, rejoice (StF 172) (esp. vv.1,4&5)
Lo, he comes with clouds descending (StF 177)
My Lord! What a morning (StF 179)
Soldiers of Christ, arise (StF 637)