Notes on the Notes – November 27, 2022
First Sunday of Advent
Hope in Hope!
This week’s music:
“O Come, O Come Emmanuel” (VU #1)
“O come, O come, Emmanuel and ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lowly exile here until the Son of God appear.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!”
“O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” is a well-known Advent hymn. While it is most commonly known by that English title, it is in fact a translation of the original Latin, “Veni, Veni, Emmanuel,” from the 9th century. Each week during Advent, we will be using one verse of the hymn as our candle-lighting response.
Hear the song played by The Piano Guys (piano and cello) at: https://youtu.be/iO7ySn-Swwc
“Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” (VU #2)
“Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set they people free:
From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art,
Dear desire of every nation, joy of ever longing heart.
Born thy people to deliver; born a child and yet a king;
Born to reign in us for ever; now thy gracious kingdom bring.
By thine own eternal Spirit rule in all our hearts alone;
By thine all-sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne.”
Charles Wesley published this hymn in 1744. He intended it as a Christmas hymn, but its theme of awaiting the arrival of the long-expected redeemer makes it suitable for Advent as well. Like so many of Wesley’s texts, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus” alludes to one or more Scripture passages in virtually every phrase. The double nature of Advent is reflected in this text, in which we remember Christ’s first coming even while praying for his return. The first two verses recall Advent prophecies in the Old Testament; the third verse speaks of Christ’s birth and kingdom, and the final stanza is a prayer for Christ’s rule in our hearts.
Hear the hymn at: https://youtu.be/huHEA3n1Lu8
“Jesus Came Bringing Us Hope” (MV #33 v. 1)
“Jesus came bringing us hope,
Jesus came bringing us hope,
Jesus came bringing us hope,
Hallelujah, forever more!”
The words and music for this song come from a traditional Cameroon song. It was arranged for inclusion in More Voices in 2007. During the season of advent, we will be using one verse each week as our response to the the Assurance of Pardon.
“When Hands Reach Out Beyond Divides” (MV #169)
“When hands reach out beyond divides and hope is truly found,
Each chain of hate will fall away and bells of peace shall sound.
When fear no longer guides our steps and days of war are done,
God’s dream for all shall live anew; our hearts will heal as one.
When race and creed blind us no more, a neighbour’s face we’ll see,
And we shall dance the whole world round, for love will set us free.”
The lyrics for this hymn of unity, peace and love are by Keri Wehlander, an author, hymn lyricist, liturgical dancer and leader of retreats and workshops. The tune, SALEM, is from the 1854 edition of Southern Harmony.
Hear the hymn recorded by Andrea LeBlanc at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MNjjTgA_cI
“A Child of Hope”
“A Child of hope in a world of strife;
A Child of hope who can bring new life;
A Child of hope in a world of hate;
A Child of hope who can elevate the dreams of men to heights unknown;
Such is this Child, this Babe, this Son of God.
A Child of hope in a world of grief;
A Child of hope for our unbelief;
A Child of hope in a world of fear;
A Child of hope who can bring us near the source of life upon the throne;
Such is this Child, this Babe, this Son of God.
Such is this Child, this Babe, this Son of God.”
Written by Lani Smith in 1970, the lyrics of this week’s anthem are as fitting today as they were then, speaking to the hope of a child who will bring God’s kingdom to the world.
“May the Spirit of the Christ Child”
“May the Spirit of the Christ Child show us how in love to live
For the joy and peace of Christmas is for us to share and give.
May the story of God’s coming, God with us – Emmanuel,
Fill the world with light of Christmas as in awe we do God’s will.”
Our offering response for the season of Advent uses the familiar melody of ODE TO JOY. Through the words, we are reminded that it is our response and action that brings about God’s kingdom in the world.
“Holy Child Within the Manger”
“Holy Child within the manger, long ago, yet ever near;
Come as friend to ev’ry stranger, come as hope for ev’ry fear.
As you lived to heal the broken, greet the outcast, free the bound.
As you taught us love unspoken, teach us now where you are found.
Once again we tell the story – how your love for us was shown,
When the Image of your glory wore an image like our own.
Come, enlighten with your wisdom, come and fill us with your grace,
May the fire of your compassion kindle ev’ry land and race.
Holy Child within the manger, lead us ever in your way,
So we see in ev’ry stranger how you come to us today.
In our lives and in our living give us strength to live as you,
That our hearts might be forgiving and our spirits strong and true.”
The words for our closing hymn were written by Marty Haugen (1987). The tune we will be using is the familiar tune BEACH SPRING.
“Saviour Dwell with Us” (VU #48)
“Saviour, dwell with us that we may go forth, your light to be.
Send us out, good news to sing; hope, peace, joy, and love to bring.
God incarnate, with us dwell. Come, O come, Emmanuel.
Come, Lord Jesus, don’t delay; shine your hope through us this day.
Saviour, dwell with us that we may go forth, your light to be.”
Our benediction response for Advent will be sung to the tune of “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing (VU #48).” As we go into the week ahead, we are reminded of our work to bring God’s hope to the world.
Bonus videos:
