Sunday 19 December, 2021

4^th Sunday of Advent                          

Hymns marked with an asterisk (*) are suggested for more than one reading

[As with other suggestions for Christmas this year, very well-known carols are omitted, allowing space for a wider range of choice. Also see Thirty second Christmas, and our new resource for planning a Blue Christmas service.] 

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

Micah 5: 2-5a

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)

Hebrews 10: 5-10

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)