Notes on the Notes – December 10, 2023

Advent 2

This week’s music:

“All Earth is Waiting” (VU #5)

“All earth is waiting to see the Promised One,
and open furrows await the seed of God.
All the world, bound and struggling, seeks true liberty;
it cries out for justice and searches for the truth.

Thus says the prophet to those of Israel,
“A virgin mother will bear Emmanuel.”
One whose name is “God with us,” our Saviour shall be,
through whom hope will blossom once more within our hearts.

Mountains and valleys will have to be made plain,
open new highways, new highways for our God,
Who is now coming closer, so come all and see,
and open the doorways as wide as wide can be.

In lowly stable the Promised One appeared.
Yet, feel that presence throughout the earth today,
For Christ lives in all Christians and is with us now;
again, on arriving, Christ brings us liberty.”

This song comes from Catalonia, in Spain.  Both the words and music were written by Alberto Taule, a Catholic priest, in 1972.  The English translation and arrangement were prepared for the United Methodist Hymnal in 1989.   The theme of a captive world awaiting liberation through the coming of the Saviour is a familiar one to Latin America, where this hymn has become very popular. The words reference the words of the prophet Isaiah, as well as John the Baptist, who proclaims the coming of the Messiah.

Hear the hymn sung by the UCUP Choir at: https://youtu.be/rdUMZNymIgQ 

Hear the song in the original Spanish at:  Toda la Tierra

“We Light This Candle”

“We light this candle for Peace.
Await the new life within.
May our hearts now live each day,
So Peace can find a way,
So Peace can find a way.”

Our Advent candle-lighting song was written by Pat Mayberry (2016) and arranged by David Kai (2016).

“Come, Emmanuel” (MV #11)

“Come, come Emmanuel,
Come, Emmanuel.” 

This gentle chant was written by James J. Chepponis in 1995 and will be used responsively during our time of prayer.

Hear the song sung by the Westminster Presbyterian Church Chancel Choir and Congregation at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5MQLbjd8eLo

“I am Walking a Path” (MV #221)

“I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace,
I am walking a path of peace,
Lead me home,
Lead me home.

This simple refrain was written by Janet Bauman Tissandier. We will be using it weekly as a sung response to the Words of Assurance.

“On Jordan’s Bank” (VU #20)

“On Jordan’s bank, the Baptist’s cry announces that the Lamb is nigh;
Awake and hearken, for he brings glad tidings of the King of Kings.

Then cleansed be every life from sin; make straight the way for God within;
And let each heart prepare a home where such a mighty guest may come.

In you, we find, abundant life, our refuge in the midst of strife;
Without your grace we waste away, like flowers that wither and decay.

Stretch forth your hand, our health restore, and help us rise to fall no more.
O let your face upon us shine, and fill the world with love divine.

All praise to you, eternal Son, whose advent has our freedom won;
And praise to God whom we adore, with Holy Spirit evermore.”

The words of this hymn refer to the story of John the Baptist, a forerunner of Jesus.  John the Baptist urged his followers to repent and be baptized in preparation for the coming of the Messiah.  Charles Coffin, rector of the University of Paris, wrote this Advent hymn in Latin and published it in his Hymni Sacri (1736).  A century later, John Chandler translated it for inclusion in his Hymns of the Primitive Church (1827).  The words encourage us to turn to God, who, through Jesus, brings abundant life and divine love.  The 17th-century German melody (1690) was brought to England by John Wesley and was arranged by W.H. Harvergal in 1864.

Hear the hymn sung at Chet Valley Church at:  https://youtu.be/pIr21lLgFpg

“O Day of Peace”
This week’s anthem by Hal Hopson, is an arrangement of the Scottish tune “Ye Banks and Braes” with words written by Carl P. Day, Jr.  It was dedicated in memory of Charlotte Morse on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the First Congregational Church of Southampton, Mass.  The text references today’s reading from Isaiah:

“O day of peace that dimly shines through all our hopes and prayers and dreams,
guide us to justice, truth, and love, delivered from our selfish schemes.
May swords of hate fall from our hands, our hearts from envy find release,
till by God’s grace our warring world shall see Christ’s promised reign of peace.

Then shall the wolf dwell with the lamb, nor shall the fierce devour the small; 
as beasts and cattle calmly graze, a little child shall lead them all.
Then enemies shall learn to love, all creatures find their true accord;
the hope of peace shall be fulfilled, for all the earth shall know the Lord.”

To hear a beautiful instrumental version of the melody used in this anthem, go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-eZJxyE-Ao

“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.

“Christmas Lord’s Prayer”

“Our Father in heaven, all praise to your name.
Your kingdom in heaven, on earth be the same.
By mortals and angels, come, Lord reign alone;
Oh, hear us and bless us, from heaven’s high throne.
 
The bread that we yearn for provide us each day;
As we forgive others, our sins take away;
In times of temptation, to lead us be near;
From evil deliver your children most dear.
 
For yours is the kingdom, o’er all things you reign,
And yours is the power, all things you maintain.
To you be the glory, resounding again
From all of creation, forever.   Amen.”

Our Christmas Lord’s Prayer uses one of the melodies for “Away in a Manger” (VU #6).   The author of the lyrics is unknown.

Hear the melody on acoustic guitar at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H61T9VvBdVE

“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.
And bells of peace, of peace shall sound, and bells of peace shall sound,
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.
Our hearts will heal, will heal as one, our hearts will heal as one.
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.
For love, yes love will set us free, for love will set us free,
And we shall dance the whole wolrd 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

“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 peace 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).”  The words were written by Rachel Frey (2004). As we go into the week ahead, we are reminded of our work to bring God’s hope to the world.

Bonus videos: