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For Today...
'Come Thou long-expected Jesus'
An Advent fixture, which we sing to Stuttgart. Searching Youtube, I found a number of recordings set to Hyfrydol (as if that tune doesn't have enough to do) and one to Stainer's Cross of Jesus. I would stick to Stuttgart, unless also using Jesus Hope of Every Nation, another Advent hymn that benefits from it.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZY0e5Uux8I - from an Advent service at St Luke's Ordinariate Parish, Maryland, USA.www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEEd0uWnDGs - choir of St John's College, Cambridge, singing it to Cross of Jesus.
(07/12/2025)
Recent links
'O bless the God of Israel'
A good one for Advent Sunday, or for that season.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=umZXxbh6IGw&start=1718&end=1852 - the last hymn in a service from Rothley Parish Church. (Words and accompaniment only.)(06/12/2025)
'He Came Down'
A song from Cameroon - useful at Advent and at other times.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PKMuSs_OEs - album recording - it says 'songs for Children', but these songs are fine for everyone.(05/12/2025)
'Litany of the Word'
An Advent liturgy, but there's no good reason to confine it to such a short season. It's repetitive if you just listen, but very powerful and inspiring if you participate.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tprf4CfkG_g - a recording with two cantors sharing the role.(04/12/2025)
'How lovely on the mountains'
Golden oldie that tends to resurface in Advent. It can rock along nicely - especially the chorus.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lHBEIWZ9k4 - solo version from James Kilbane.(03/12/2025)
'Let all mortal flesh keep silence'
Ancient French carol tune, and words from the Liturgy of St James, and even older text. Unmissable for communion services in this season.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Dy_qdLwej4 - Stephen Cleobury's arrangement, sung by Somerville College choir.www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHkXHdVwm8o - used as a processional, with a long introduction. From a church in Nebraska.
(02/12/2025)
'All Earth was Dark'
Graham Kendrick in his usual good form.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-S1R9ReprFg - a local church's live recording.(01/12/2025)
'Light of the World, You came down into darkness'
A very popular Chris Tomlin song, for Advent and other times.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa9FIUHKIWQ - a bit scratchy, but nicely arranged.(30/11/2025)
'You have called us by our name'
A deservedly popular Bernadette Farrell 'all-age' song of church, belonging, and the Christian journey.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTWDmv0kb5g - piano and guitars plus vocal/instrumental descants - children's choir.(29/11/2025)
'Our God is greater'
A song the band can get really their teeth into... especially the electric guitarist. Needs a bit of rethinking for smaller congregations though.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJpt1hSYf2o - Chris Tomlin a live performance.(28/11/2025)
'Send me out from here, Lord'
A very direct song in John Pantry's distinctive style. A song to end a service with.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zd1BattWF9Y - John Pantry album recording(27/11/2025)
'Salvation belongs to our God'
A golden oldie which we still sing from time to time.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZcG8cSxDiU - nicely done, with a special mention for the drummer.(26/11/2025)
'You're the Word of God the Father '
A lot of ground covered in this Stuart Townend song - can be useful.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPXgfaQKZ0k - live recording.(25/11/2025)
'Jesus is King'
A fine 20th Century hymn with a nicely syncopated rhythm. It's syncopated enough to defeat some congregational singers, alas, but they can hardly be blamed:- I've heard too many church musicians play it like a 19th century congregation would want to sing it, which is a sad thing, as it's great fun when done properly.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=km-zgzp-7wk(24/11/2025)
'Christ be beside me (St Patrick's Breastplate)'
Sung to Bunessan. Best with an accompaniment that respects the origins of the tune.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FPvQaVUexCk - lightly accompanied female harmonies.(23/11/2025)
'Lord, I come to You'
Well known and popular song from Geoff Bullock, with music which lends itself to worship in gloriously endless variations.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL1POv2eY04 - a Hillsongs arrangement.(22/11/2025)
'Jesus calls us here to meet Him'
A gathering song from the Iona Community, set to an old Hebridean melody.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ModYoPReYYw - Songs of Praise - just 3 verses - omitting the "communion" verse.(21/11/2025)
'Come let us Worship Jesus'
Plenty to do on keyboards in this one. I tend to start with piano sound and finish with the kitchen sink, stately on the organ. For a additional synth line in a big enough band, it's brilliant with the Charang.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mGR7QNm0Go - album recording (of live rendering).(20/11/2025)
'Give thanks to the Lord our God and King'
Well known Chris Tomlin song, with a good driving rhythm, and a "Sing Praise" bridge that never fails to catch out at least one in the congregation.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BSjxpiD2DU - Robin Mark's version of it, recorded live.(19/11/2025)
'Sing And shout for joy, Alleluia'
Simple but well-written all-age song of praise from Bernadette Farrell.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwdvoZZHTRM - album recording.(18/11/2025)
'O Lord our God, how majestic is Your name (We will magnify)'
The most well known of the songs of the slightly quirky, very interesting and talented Philip Lawton Johnston. It works well for me as an upbeat stomper.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=bgH-xcenKkA - laid back, but well done.(17/11/2025)
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