Advent begins with a call to get ready, and it is a reminder to get out of our sense of complacency. However, it is hard to be complacent when things are difficult. When all is going well, then we need the two-by-four of Advent to wake us up. But when things are difficult, we use Advent as a prayer, as a reminder to hope. The following are some hymn suggestions that pair with the selected readings for this worship series.

Abbreviations:

UMH: United Methodist Hymnal
TFWS: The Faith We Sing
W&S: Worship and Song

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Advent 4 ushers us into the final chapter of waiting—gestation. Proclaim the truth about the love of God growing in Mary’s womb and living in our hearts today. This is, ultimately, everything we need as we transition from the end of Advent in the morning to welcoming the Christ child in the evening.

Hail to the Lord’s Anointed UMH 203
Blessed Be the God of Israel UMH 209
That Boy-Child of Mary UMH 241
Jesus, the Light of the World W&S 3056
My Soul Gives Glory to My God UMH 198
Tell Out, My Soul UMH 200
Canticle of Turning
My Soul Proclaims with Wonder
Shout to the North W&S 3042

Christmas Eve

The Light that is born this night is a Light that stays with us in all things, in all places, and in all circumstances. So turn off the lights, and welcome our wondrous Light, God with us. We love our Christmas Eve carols and we want to offer them to our congregation, but think about a creative way to help them experience the songs anew, such as having someone sing the German verse of “Silent Night” or the Latin verse of “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” There are also new harmonizations and settings of these well-known carols that the choir or praise band can present.