AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
HYMNS OF THE ADVENT SEASON
Hymns are more than just songs - they are expressions of the freedom we've found and the joy that overflows from our hearts.
In the words of the timeless hymn,
" We sing because we're happy. We sing because we're free.”
This is the essence of Kairos-Ebenezer - a community that sings from the depths of joy and freedom.
As we raise our voices, we echo the very heart of who we are.
As we step into the sacred season of Advent, let the spirit of joyful anticipation guide us.
This is a time when hopeful hearts turn toward the coming of Christ.
With each hymn we sing, let's nurture the peace that settles over us like a gentle snow.
Let's cherish the love that binds us together in this season of expectation.
Come, friends,
LET'S SING WITH JOY THAT OVERFLOWS!
LET’S SING WITH HOPE THAT ANCHORS US!
LET’S SING WITH PEACE THAT TRANQUILIZES!
LET'S SING WITH LOVE THAT UNIFIES!
AND ABOVE ALL, LET'S SING TO THE CHRIST WHO IS THE HEARTBEAT OF ADVENT!
COME, THOU LONGEXPECTED JESUS
Text: Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Tune: Rowland Pritchard (1811-1887)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2024
This hymn, over 275 years old, was published in Wesley's collection.."Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord". It both looks forward to Jesus' Nativity and Christ's Kingdom. It was added to the Wesleyan Methodist Hymnal in 1875.
Wesley was troubled by the slavery he witnessed during his years in America, particularly the enslaved children. He was so shaken that it is said that he nearly suffered a nervous breakdown. He went on to write, knowing Jesus could bring complete freedom. He could free us from our fears and sins. Everyone could "find our rest in Thee".
COME, THOU LONG-EXPECTED JESUS
HYMN # 103
1.Come, thou long expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us; Let us find out rest in Thee. Israel’s strength and consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art; Dear desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart.
2.Born Thy people to deliver, Born a child and yet a King, Born to reign in us forever, 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. Amen.
O COME, O COME EMMANUEL
Text: John Neale (1818-1866)
Tune: Thomas Helmore (1811-1890)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2024
Neale translated Greek and Latin Hymns and "O Come" appeared in his collection in 1851.
The melody is traced to a 15th century funeral procession hymn for French Nuns, found in a manuscript in the National Library of Paris. It is one of the most widely published and performed songs in the Christian Church. Israel waited for its Messiah; we also await His return.
"REJOICE! EMMANUEL SHALL COME TO THEE!
O COME, O COME EMMANUEL
HYMN #102
1. O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel. That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appear.
Refrain
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel Shall come to thee, O Israel!
2. O come, Thou Dayspring, come and cheer Our spirits by Thine advent here; Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, And death’s dark shadows put to flight.
3. O come, Thou Key of David, come, And open wide our heavenly home; Make safe the way that leads on high, And close the path to misery.
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL
Text: Frederick Oakley (1802-1880)
Tune: John F. Wade (1710-1786)
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15,2024
The earliest printed version by Wade, who made a living copying and selling music, was published in 1751 by Stonyhurst College in Lancaster. It was originally 4 verses, but extended to a total of 8. It is considered a reference to the shepherds, after hearing the angels singing, coming to Bethlehem to adore the newborn Savior.
O COME, ALL YE FAITHFUL
HYMN #106
1.O come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem; Come and behold Him, born the Kings of angels:
Refrain
O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, O come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord!
2.Sing, choirs of angels, Sing in exultation,
O sing, all ye bright hosts of Heaven above! Glory to God, all glory in the highest;
3.Yea, Lord, we greet Thee, born this happy morning, Jesus, to Thee be all glory given; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing. Amen.
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
Text & Tune: Traditional French Carol
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22,2024
This Christmas hymn was published in 1819 and inspired by Luke 2:6-20. It was added to the Methodist Hymnal in 1935. The original text was "Hearken all! What Holy Singing is now sounding from the sky". There is a Latin text included that never changed.
"GLORIA
IN EXCELSIS DEO".
It is a song of invitation from Christians to come celebrate Christ's birth.
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON
HYMN # 118
1.Angels we have heard on high Sweetly singing o’er the plains, And the mountains in reply Echo back their joyous strains.
Refrain
Gloria in excelsis Deo, Gloria in excelsis Deo,
2.Shepherds, why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? Say what may the tidings be, Which inspire your heavenly songs?
3.Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bender knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King.
4.See within a manger laid Jesus, Lord of heaven and earth! Mary, Joseph, lend your aid, With us sing our Savior’s birth. Amen.
HARK! THE HERALD ANGELS SING!
Text: Charles Wesley (1707-1788)
Tune: Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29,2024
Originally titled "Hark! How all The Welkin Rings", it was reworked by a famous preacher (George Whitefield) in 1753 to the now.."Hark! the Herald Angels Sing". Brothers Charles and John Wesley opposed the rewrite but the carol was one step closer to the version we know today. Mendelssohn's sacred tune was paired with the text in a "stroke of genius" that resonates how we joyfully proclaim PEACE, HEALING, and RECONCILIATION to all who believe!
HYMN # 115
1.Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King; Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!” Joyful, all ye nations, rise, Join the triumph of the skies; With th’angelic host proclaim, “ Christ is born in Bethlehem!”
Refrain
Hark! the herald angels sing, “Glory to the newborn King!”
2.Christ, by highest heaven adored; Christ, the everlasting Lord! Late in time behold Him come, Off spring of the virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel!
3.Hail the heaven-born Prince of Peace! Hail the Sun of Righteousness! Light and life to all He brings, Risen with healing in His wings, Mild He lays His glory by, Born that man no more may die, Born to raise the sons of earth, Born to give them second birth. Amen.
