Merry Christmas, Everyone!

I've been on a bit of a hiatus for the season of Advent because I figured there wasn't a whole lot of mystery as to how I was selecting music. But there is something I like to share with my friends every year - the literal translation of Silent Night. 

As you may know, Silent Night is a German Christmas carol. The version we sing in English has been modified to rhyme but it is not quite the same. Here is a rough translation of the original German lyrics (the third and fifth verses are my favorite):

1. Silent night! Holy night! All are sleeping; only the Holy Pair watches the lovely boy with curly hair sleep in heavenly peace.

2. Silent night! Holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight! Angelic "Alleluias" sound it near and far: "Jesus, the Savior is here!"

3. Silent night! Holy night! God's Son, o how love laughs out of Your divine mouth! Then it hits us - now is the hour of our saving - Jesus, in your birth.

4. Silent night! Holy night! The healing of the world brought from heaven's golden height - we see the fullness of His grace: Jesus in human form!

5. Silent night! Holy night! Where today all the power of Fatherly love pours forth, and Jesus, like a brother, embraces all the people of the world!

6. Silent night! Holy night! Long we hoped to be freed from the Lord's wrath. In time, the Father promises to spare all mankind! 

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Sunday, December 21st - First Sunday of Advent

(First time here? Read the Introduction for more information)


I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving - welcome to Advent!


Opening Hymn: Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers H-68

The scripture readings this week have a lot to do with waiting, watching, and waking. So we kick off our Advent season with "Rejoice, Rejoice, Believers." 

"Rejoice, rejoice, believers, and let your lights appear.

The evening is advancing, and darker night is near.

The Bridegroom is arising, and soon He will draw nigh.

Up, watch in expectation: At midnight comes the cry.

See that your lamps are burning; replenish them with oil.
Look now for your salvation, the end of sin and toil
The marriage feast is waiting, the gates wide open stand
Rise up, ye heirs of glory, the Bridegroom is at hand

Our hope and expectation, O Jesus, now appear!
Arise, thou Sun so longed for, above this darkened sphere
With hearts and hands uplifted, we plead, O Lord, to see
The day of earth's redemption and ever be with thee!"


Sequence Hymn: Wait for the Lord G-256

Continuing the theme of watching and waiting, the sequence hymn is the Taize song, "Wait for the Lord." 
It is short and simple, repeating the same phrase; "Wait for the Lord, whose day is near. Wait for the Lord, be

strong, take heart." 

Communion Hymn: Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence H-324

Every other hymnal I'm familiar with puts this hymn in the Advent section. The Hymnal 1982 is the first one I've seen that

lists it as Eucharist. To be honest, I've never much cared for this hymn - that is, until I heard this rendition. 

It needs an air of mystery. Now I love this hymn.

Recessional: The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns H-73

We conclude with "The King Shall Come When Morning Dawns." The other hymns have been mostly about waiting

in the darkness, so this hymn serves as a reminder of what comes when the darkness is over.

I hope this adds to your worship experience and I hope to see you there!