Hymn suggestions for Sunday 22 December 2024
Fourth 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: The love song
Preparations almost complete, the time is nearly here.
Promises and praises echo all around,
Silencing the noises of injustice.
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.
Lighting of Advent candles (using verses as appropriate)
Advent candles tell their story (StF 165)
'Christmas is coming!' The Church is glad to sing (StF 166)
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.
Light of the world, you stepped down into darkness (StF 175)
Longing for light, we wait in darkness (StF 706)
O little town of Bethlehem (StF 213)
Once in royal David's city (StF 214)
The God who sings a new world into being shows the way (StF 714)
The love of God comes close where stands an open door (StF 654)
The peace of the earth be with you (StF 774)
Canticle: Magnificat (Luke 1: 46b-55)
Hymns echoing the Canticle theme(Also see hymns suggested for Luke 1: 39-45 below)
Heaven shall not wait for the poor to lose their patience (StF 701)
Let me tell you about a baby (StF 209)
Long ago, prophets knew Christ would come (StF 178)
My soul rejoices in God my Saviour (StF 60)
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! (StF 186)
There's a light upon the mountain (StF 188)
or Psalm 80:1-7
Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme
How long, O Lord, will you forget an answer to my prayer? (StF 630)
I should like to speak to you (StF 522)
Christ is the world's light (StF 346)
Glory to God on high (StF 199)
Heaven's come so close tonight (website only)
In the bleak midwinter (StF 204)
Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us (StF 594)
What shall we offer our good Lord (StF 671)
Luke 1: 39-45 (46-55) (Also see hymns suggested for Luke 1: 46b-55 above)
Born in the night, Mary's child (StF 193)
Have you heard God’s voice; has your heart been stirred? (StF 662)
Let earth and heaven combine (StF 208)
Remembering Mary (website only)
The Angel Gabriel from heaven came (StF 187)
We gladly celebrate and praise (StF 120)