Sunday 20 December, 2015

4th Sunday of Advent

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

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)
Light a candle for Jesus the King (website only)

Micah 5:2-5a

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)

Canticle: Magnificat (Luke 1:46b-55)

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

Heaven shall not wait for the poor to lose their patience (StF 701)
My soul rejoices in God my Saviour (StF 60)
Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord! (StF 186)

or Psalm 80:1-7

Hymns echoing the psalmist’s theme

How long, O Lord, will you forget an answer to my prayer? (StF630)
I should like to speak to you (StF 522)

Hebrews 10:5-10

Born in the night, Mary's child (StF 193)
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)

The Angel Gabriel from heaven came (StF 187)
Have you heard God’s voice; has your heart been stirred? (StF 662)
Let earth and heaven combine (StF 208)
Make us your prophets, Lord (StF 665)
Remembering Mary (website only)
We gladly celebrate and praise (StF 120)