Advent Hymns - Year A Lectionary Texts

Hymn writer F. Richard Garland has composed these four Advent hymn texts set to familiar tunes, closely relating them to the lectionary readings for Year A. He writes, "Remembering how often I struggled to choose hymns that fit the Scriptures of the Lectionary, I thought, 'I wonder if it would be possible to write a series of hymns focused on those Scriptures.'

I began to read and reflect on the Advent Scriptures, immersing myself in core meanings of the texts. What has emerged is a quartet of hymns, written for the first four Sundays of Year A. Each hymn is keyed in on the Lectionary Scriptures for that particular day. Further, the often used progression of Advent Candle themes, of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy is acknowledged.'"

First Sunday of Advent, Year A
Tune: Italian Hymn
Isaiah 2:1-5;Psalm 122;Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44

Come to the Light of Hope (Sibelius format)
Come to the Light of Hope (PDf format)

Second Sunday of Advent, Year A
Tune: Maryton
Isaiah 11:1-10;Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19;Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12

A Child Will Lead the Dawn of Grace (Sibelius format)
A Child Will Lead the Dawn of Grace (PDF format)

Third Sunday of Advent, Year A
Tune: Rest
Isaiah 35:1-10;Psalm 146:5-10;Luke 1:46b-55; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11

The Heart of Love with Grace Abounds (Sibelius format)
The Heart of Love with Grace Abounds (PDF format)

Fourth Sunday of Advent, Year A
Tune: Canonbury
Isaiah 7:10-16;Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19;Romans 1:1-7; Matthew 1:18-25

Lord, Be to Us a Source of Joy (Sibelius format)
Lord, Be to Us a Source of Joy (PDF format)

The Advent hymns for Lectionary Year B and Lectionary Year C are also available on this website.

See F. Richard Garland's photo, biography, contact information and links to additional songs and choral music.