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SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

EPIPHANY
SONGS OF PRAISE

CP81


Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided, 

urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way, 

sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided, 

Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.


Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us, 

speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,  

teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,

Lord of the word, receive your people's praise.


Lord, for our land, in this our generation,   

spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care;   

for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,    

Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer. 


Lord, for our world; when we disown and  doubt him,   

loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain;   

hungry and helpless, lost indeed without him, 

Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.


Lord, for ourselves; in living power remake us,  

self on the cross and Christ upon the throne;  

past put behind us, for the future take us, 

Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone. 



CP84

​

Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, 

dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid; 

star-of the east, the horizon adorning, 

guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.


Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining; 

low lies his head with the beasts of the stall; 

angels adore him in slumber reclining,

Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.


Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,  

odours of Edom, and offerings divine,    

gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,  

myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?


Vainly we offer each ample oblation,  

vainly with gifts would his favour secure:  

richer by far is the heart's adoration, 

dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.


Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, 

dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid; 

star of the east, the horizon adorning,  

guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.


​

CP87


Hail to the Lord's Anointed, 

great David's greater Son! 

hail, in the time appointed, 

his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,  

to set the captive free, 

to take away transgression, 

and rule in equity.


He comes with succour speedy 

to those who suffer wrong;  

to help the poor and needy, 

and bid the weak be strong; 

to give them songs for sighing,  

their darkness turn to light, 

whose souls, condemned and dying, 

were precious in his sight. 


He shall come down like showers  

upon the fruitful earth, 

and love, joy, hope, like flowers,  

spring in his path to birth: 

before him on the mountains 

shall peace, the herald, go;  

and righteousness in fountains 

from hill to valley flow.


Arabia's desert-ranger 

to him shall bow the knee; 

the Ethiopian stranger   

his glory come to see; 

with offerings of devotion ships 

from the isles shall meet,  

to pour the wealth of ocean  

in tribute at his feet.


Kings shall bow down before him, 

and gold and incense bring; 

all nations shall adore him, 

his praise all people sing:

to him shall prayer unceasing 

and daily vows ascend; 

his kingdom still increasing,   

a kingdom without end.


O'er every foe victorious,   

he on his throne shall rest; 

from age to age more glorious, 

all-blessing and all-blest:

the tide of time shall never  

his covenant remove; 

his name shall stand for ever, 

his changeless name of love.


​

CP470


I, the Lord of sea and sky, 

I have heard my people cry.

All who dwell in dark and sin 

    my hand will save.

I who made the stars of night, 

I will make their darkness bright. 

Who will bear my light to them?

Whom shall I send?

        Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

        I have heard you calling in the night 

        I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

        I will hold your people in my heart,


I, the Lord of snow and rain,

I have borne my people's pain, 

I have wept for love of them, 

    they turn away.

I will break their hearts of stone,   

give them hearts for love alone, 

I will speak my word to them. 

Whom shall I send? 

        Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

        I have heard you calling in the night 

        I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

        I will hold your people in my heart,


I, the Lord of wind and flame,

I will tend the poor and lame, 

I will set a feast for them, 

    my hand will save. 

Finest bread I will provide 

till their hearts be satisfied, 

I will give my life to them. 

Whom shall I send?

        Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?

        I have heard you calling in the night 

        I will go, Lord, if you lead me.

        I will hold your people in my heart,




CP386 


BE thou my vision, O Lord of my heart, 

be all else but naught to me, save that thou art; 

be thou my best thought in the day and the night, 

both waking and sleeping, thy presence my light.


Be thou my wisdoms be thou my true Word, 

be thou ever with me, and with thee, Lord; 

be thou my great Father, and I thy true son; 

be thou in me dwelling, and with thee one.


Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;  

be thou my whole armour, be thou my true might; 

be thou my soul's shelter, be thou my strong tower:

O raise thou me heavenward, great Power of my power. 


Riches I heed not, nor man's empty praise: 

be thou mine inheritance now and always; 

be thou and thou only the first in my heart; 

O Sovereign of heaven, my treasure thou art.


High King of heaven, thou heaven's bright Sun, 

O grant me its joys after vict'ry is won; 

great Heart of my own heart, whatever befall, 

still be thou my vision, O Ruler of all. 


​

CP585


The church's one foundation 

is Jesus Christ her Lord; 

she is his new creation 

by water and the word: 

from heaven he came and sought her 

to be his holy Bride; 

with his own blood he bought her, 

and for her life he died.


Elect from every nation, 

yet one o'er all the earth, 

her charter of salvation 

one Lord, one faith, one birth; 

one holy name she blesses, 

partakes one holy food, 

and to one hope she presses 

with every grace endued.


Though with a scornful wonder 

men see her sore opprest, 

by schisms rent asunder, 

by heresies distrest; 

yet saints their watch are keeping, 

their cry goes up, 'How long?'

And soon the night of weeping 

shall be the morn of song.


'Mid toil and tribulation, 

and tumult of her war, 

she waits the consummation 

of peace for evermore; 

till with the vision glorious 

her longing eyes are blest, 

and the great church victorious 

shall be the church at rest.


Yet she on earth hath union

with God the Three in One, 

and mystic sweet communion 

with those whose rest is won:

O happy ones and holy!

Lord, give us grace that we, 

like them, the meek and lowly, 

on high may dwell with thee.



CP581


Take my life, and let it be 

consecrated, Lord, to thee;  

take my moments and my days, 

let them flow in ceaseless praise.


Take my hands, and let them move  

at the impulse of thy love; 

take my feet, and let them be  

swift and beautiful for thee.


Take my voice, and let me sing 

always, only, for my King;  

take my lips, and let them be 

filled with messages from thee.


Take my silver and my gold;  

not a mite would I withhold;  

take my intellect, and use 

every power as thou shalt choose.


Take my will, and make it thine:   

it shall be no longer mine;  

take my heart: it is thine own;  

it shall be thy royal throne. 


Take my love; my Lord, I pour 

at thy feet its treasure-store; 

take myself, and I will be  

ever, only, all for thee. 



CP496 


Lead us, heavenly Father, lead us  

o'er the world's tempestuous sea; 

guard us, guide us, keep us, feed us, 

for we have no help but thee; 

yet possessing every blessing,  

if our God our Father be.  


Saviour, breathe forgiveness o'er us:

all our weakness thou dost know; 

thou didst tread this earth before us, 

thou didst feel its keenest woe;  

lone and dreary, faint and weary,  

through the desert thou didst go.


Spirit of our God, descending,  

fill our hearts with heavenly joy,  

with every passion blending, 

pleasure that can never cloy:

provided, pardoned, guided, 

nothing can our peace destroy.


​

CP538


O Jesus, I have promised 

to serve thee to the end; 

be thou for ever near me, 

my Master and my Friend:

I shall not fear the battle 

if thou art by my side, 

nor wander from the pathway 

if thou wilt be my guide.


O let me feel thee near me: 

the world is ever near;

I see the sights that dazzle, 

the tempting sounds I hear; 

my foes are ever near me,   

around me and within;  

but, Jesus, draw thou nearer,   

and shield my soul from sin.


O let me hear thee speaking 

in accents clear and still 

above the storms of passion, 

the murmurs of self-will;

O speak to reassure me, 

to hasten or control;

O speak, and make me listen, 

thou guardian of my soul.


O Jesus, thou hast promised 

to all who follow thee, 

that where thou art in glory 

there shall thy servant be; 

and, Jesus, I have promised 

to serve thee to the end:

O give me grace to follow, 

my Master and my Friend.


O let me see thy foot-marks, 

and in them plant mine own; 

my hope to follow duly 

is in thy strength alone:

O guide me, call me, draw me, 

uphold me to the end; 

and then in heaven receive me, 

my Saviour and my Friend.

​

​

CP89


O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; 

bow down before him, his glory proclaim;  

with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness, 

kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.


Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness: 

high on his heart he will bear it for thee, 

comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness, 

guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.


Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness 

of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine: 

truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness, 

these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.


These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness, 

he will accept for the name that is dear; 

mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness, 

trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.


O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; 

bow down before him, his glory proclaim; 

with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness, 

kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.

CP435

​

GLORIOUS things of thee are spoken,

 Zion, city of our God;  

he whose word cannot be broken 

formed thee for his own abode.

On the Rock of ages founded, 

what can shake thy sure repose?

With salvation's walls surrounded, 

thou may'st smile at all thy foes. 


See, the streams of living waters, 

springing from eternal love,  

well supply thy sons and daughters, 

and all fear of want remove. 

Who can faint while such a river 

ever flows their thirst to assuage:

 grace which, like the Lord the giver,  

never fails from age to age?


Round each habitation hovering, 

see the cloud and fire appear  

for a glory and a covering,  

showing that the Lord is near.

Thus they march, the pillar leading, 

light by night and shade by day; 

daily on the manna feeding  

which he gives them when they pray.


Saviour, if of Zion's city

I through grace a member am, 

let the world deride or pity, 

I will glory in thy name.

Fading is the worldling's pleasure,

all his boasted pomp and show;

solid joys and lasting treasure, 

none but Zion's children know.

​

​

CP308


JUST as I am, without one plea 

but that thy blood was shed for me, 

and that thou bidst me come to thee, 

O Lamb of God, I come.


Just as I am, though tossed about  

with many a conflict, many a doubt, 

fightings and fears within, without, 

O Lamb of God, I come.


Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; 

sight, riches, healing of the mind, 

yea, all I need, in thee to find,  

O Lamb of God, I come.


Just as I am, thou wilt receive, 

wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve: 

because thy promise I believe, 

O Lamb of God, I come.


Just as I am, thy love unknown 

has broken every barrier down; 

now to be thine, yea, thine alone, 

O Lamb of God, I come.


Just as I am, of that free love 

the breadth, length, depth, and height to prove, 

here for a season, then above, 

O Lamb of God, I come.



CP93


WHEN Jesus came to Jordan 

to be baptised by John, 

he did not come for pardon, 

but as his Father's Son.

He came to share repentance 

with all who mourn their sins, 

to speak the vital sentence  

with which good news begins.


He came to share temptation,   

our utmost woe and loss; 

for us and our salvation 

to die upon the cross.

So when the Dove descended 

on him, the Son of Man, 

the hidden years had ended, 

the age of grace began.


Come, Holy Spirit, aid us 

to keep the vows we make, 

this very day invade us, 

and every bondage break.

Come, give our lives direction, 

the gift we covet most:

to share the resurrection 

that leads to Pentecost.

​

CP411

​

DEAR Lord and Father of mankind,  

forgive our foolish ways; 

re-clothe us in our rightful mind,  

in purer lives thy service find,   

in deeper reverence praise. 


In simple trust like theirs who heard, 

beside the Syrian sea,  

the gracious calling of the Lord,   

let us, like them, without a word  

rise up and follow thee. 


O Sabbath rest by Galilee!

O calm of hills above, 

where Jesus knelt to share with thee 

the silence of eternity, 

interpreted by love!


Drop thy still dews of quietness, 

till all our strivings cease; 

take from our souls the strain and stress, 

and let our ordered lives confess 

the beauty of thy peace.


Breathe through the heats of our desire 

thy coolness and thy balm; 

let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; 

speak through the earthquake, wind, and fire, 

O still small voice of calm.

​

​

HYMN   CP437 

​

GO forth and tell! O Church of God, awake! 

God's saving news to all the nations take: 

proclaim Christ Jesus, Saviour, Lord and King,

that all the world his glorious praise may sing.


Go forth and tell! God's love embraces all,

he will in grace respond to all who call: 

how shall they call if they have never heard 

the gracious invitation of his word?


Go forth and tell! The doors are open wide: 

share God's good gifts — let no one be denied;  

live out your life as Christ your Lord shall choose, 

your ransomed powers for his sole glory use. 


Go forth and tell! O Church of God, arise! 

Go in the strength which Christ your Lord supplies; 

go till all nations his great name adore  

and serve him, Lord and King for evermore.

God shines in your hearts:

Christ is the light of the world!

​

​

CP4


LORD, as the day begins 

lift up our hearts in praise; 

take from us all our sins, 

guard us in all our ways:

 our every step direct and guide 

that Christ in all be glorified!


Christ be in work and skill, 

serving each other's need; 

Christ be in thought and will, 

Christ be in word and deed:

our minds be set on things above 

in joy and peace, in faith and love.


Grant us the Spirit's strength,  

teach us to walk his way; 

so bring us all at length 

safe to the close of day:

from hour to hour sustain and bless, 

and let our song be thankfulness.


Now as the day begins  

make it the best of days; 

take from us all our sins, 

guard us in all our ways:

our every step direct and guide 

that Christ in all be glorified!

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

EPIPHANY
SONGS OF PRAISE

CP81


Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided, 

urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way, 

sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided, 

Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.


Lord, for that word, the word of life which fires us, 

speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,  

teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,

Lord of the word, receive your people's praise.


Lord, for our land, in this our generation,   

spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care;   

for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,    

Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer. 


Lord, for our world; when we disown and  doubt him,   

loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain;   

hungry and helpless, lost indeed without him, 

Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.


Lord, for ourselves; in living power remake us,  

self on the cross and Christ upon the throne;  

past put behind us, for the future take us, 

Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone. 



CP91


We three kings of Orient are, 

bearing gifts we traverse afar 

field and fountain, moor and mountain, 

following yonder star:

        O star of wonder, star of night, 

        star with royal beauty bright, 

        westward leading, still proceeding, 

        guide us to thy perfect light.


Born a king on Bethlehem plain, 

gold I bring to crown him again, 

king for ever, ceasing never 

over us all to reign:

        O star of wonder, star of night, 

        star with royal beauty bright, 

        westward leading, still proceeding, 

        guide us to thy perfect light.


Frankincense to offer have I, 

incense owns a deity nigh; 

prayer and praising, all men raising, 

worship him, God most high:

        O star of wonder, star of night, 

        star with royal beauty bright, 

        westward leading, still proceeding, 

        guide us to thy perfect light.


Myrrh is mine, its bitter perfume 

breathes a life of gathering gloom; 

sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, 

sealed in the stone-cold tomb: 

        O star of wonder, star of night, 

        star with royal beauty bright, 

        westward leading, still proceeding, 

        guide us to thy perfect light.


Glorious now behold him arise, 

king and God and sacrifice.  

Heaven sings: 'Alleluia'; 

'Alleluia,' the earth replies:  

        O star of wonder, star of night, 

        star with royal beauty bright, 

        westward leading, still proceeding, 

        guide us to thy perfect light.



CP87


Hail to the Lord's Anointed, 

great David's greater Son! 

hail, in the time appointed, 

his reign on earth begun!

He comes to break oppression,  

to set the captive free, 

to take away transgression, 

and rule in equity.


He comes with succour speedy 

to those who suffer wrong;  

to help the poor and needy, 

and bid the weak be strong; 

to give them songs for sighing,  

their darkness turn to light, 

whose souls, condemned and dying, 

were precious in his sight. 


He shall come down like showers  

upon the fruitful earth, 

and love, joy, hope, like flowers,  

spring in his path to birth: 

before him on the mountains 

shall peace, the herald, go;  

and righteousness in fountains 

from hill to valley flow.


Arabia's desert-ranger 

to him shall bow the knee; 

the Ethiopian stranger   

his glory come to see; 

with offerings of devotion ships 

from the isles shall meet,  

to pour the wealth of ocean  

in tribute at his feet.


Kings shall bow down before him, 

and gold and incense bring; 

all nations shall adore him, 

his praise all people sing:

to him shall prayer unceasing 

and daily vows ascend; 

his kingdom still increasing,   

a kingdom without end.


O'er every foe victorious,   

he on his throne shall rest; 

from age to age more glorious, 

all-blessing and all-blest:

the tide of time shall never  

his covenant remove; 

his name shall stand for ever, 

his changeless name of love.


​

CP57


Joy to the world, the Lord is come!  

let earth receive her King;  

let every heart prepare him room,   

and heaven and nature sing,  

and heaven and nature sing, 

and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.


Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns! 

let all their songs employ;  

while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains  

repeat the sounding joy, 

repeat the sounding joy,   

repeat, repeat the sounding joy. 


He rules the world with truth and grace,  

and makes the nations prove   

the glories of his righteousness   

and wonders of his love, 

and wonders of his love, 

and wonders, wonders of his love.




CP89


O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; 

bow down before him, his glory proclaim;  

with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness, 

kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.


Low at his feet lay thy burden of carefulness: 

high on his heart he will bear it for thee, 

comfort thy sorrows, and answer thy prayerfulness, 

guiding thy steps as may best for thee be.


Fear not to enter his courts in the slenderness 

of the poor wealth thou wouldst reckon as thine: 

truth in its beauty, and love in its tenderness, 

these are the offerings to lay on his shrine.


These, though we bring them in trembling and fearfulness, 

he will accept for the name that is dear; 

mornings of joy give for evenings of tearfulness, 

trust for our trembling and hope for our fear.


O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; 

bow down before him, his glory proclaim; 

with gold of obedience, and incense of lowliness, 

kneel and adore him: the Lord is his name.



CP68


See him lying on a bed of straw, 

a draughty stable with an open door;

Mary cradling the babe she bore  

the Prince of glory is his name. 

        O now carry me to Bethlehem 

        to see the Lord of love again:

        just as poor as was the stable then, 

        the Prince of glory when he came!


Star of silver, sweep across the skies, 

show where Jesus in the manger lies; 

shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise 

to see the Saviour of the world!

        O now carry me to Bethlehem 

        to see the Lord of love again:

        just as poor as was the stable then, 

        the Prince of glory when he came!


Angels, sing again the song you sang, 

sing the glory of God's gracious plan; 

sing that Bethl'em's little baby can 

be salvation to the soul.

        O now carry me to Bethlehem 

        to see the Lord of love again:

        just as poor as was the stable then, 

        the Prince of glory when he came!


Mine are riches, from your poverty; 

from your innocence, eternity; 

mine, forgiveness by your death for me, 

child of sorrow for my joy. 

        O now carry me to Bethlehem 

        to see the Lord of love again:

        just as poor as was the stable then, 

        the Prince of glory when he came!




CP84


Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, 

dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid; 

star-of the east, the horizon adorning, 

guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.


Cold on his cradle the dew-drops are shining; 

low lies his head with the beasts of the stall; 

angels adore him in slumber reclining,

Maker and Monarch and Saviour of all.


Say, shall we yield him, in costly devotion,  

odours of Edom, and offerings divine,    

gems of the mountain, and pearls of the ocean,  

myrrh from the forest, or gold from the mine?


Vainly we offer each ample oblation,  

vainly with gifts would his favour secure:  

richer by far is the heart's adoration, 

dearer to God are the prayers of the poor.


Brightest and best of the sons of the morning, 

dawn on our darkness, and lend us thine aid; 

star of the east, the horizon adorning,  

guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.



MP114


Ding Dong! Merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing
Ding, dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing
Gloria, hosanna in excelsis:

Gloria, hosanna in excelsis!

E'en so here below, below
Let steeple bells be swung'n
And I-O, I-O, I-O
By priest and people sung'n
Gloria, hosanna in excelsis:

Gloria, hosanna in excelsis!

Pray ye dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers
May ye beautifully rhyme
Your eve time song, ye singers
Gloria, hosanna in excelsis:

Gloria, hosanna in excelsis!



​

​

CP83


As with gladness men of old  

did the guiding star behold, 

as with joy they hailed its light,  

leading onward, beaming bright;  

so, most gracious Lord, may we 

evermore be led to thee.


As with joyful steps they sped,  

Saviour, to thy lowly bed, 

there to bend the knee before  

thee whom heaven and earth adore;  

so may we with willing feet  

ever seek thy mercy-seat. 


As they offered gifts most rare 

at thy cradle rude and bare,   

so may we with holy joy,   

pure and free from sin's alloy,  

all our costliest treasures bring,

Christ, to thee our heavenly King.


Holy Jesus, every day 

keep us in the narrow way, 

and, when earthly things are past, 

bring our ransomed souls at last 

where they need no star to guide, 

where no clouds thy glory hide.


In the heavenly country bright 

need they no created light; 

thou its light, it’s joy, its crown, 

thou its sun which goes not down; 

there for ever may we sing 

alleluias to our King.



CP55


In the bleak mid-winter 
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, 
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, 
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.


Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him 
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter 
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, 
Jesus Christ.


Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and Seraphim
Thronged the air;
But His mother only,
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss




CP85


Earth has many a noble city;

Bethl'em, thou dost all excel:

out of thee the Lord from heaven 

came to rule his Israel.


Fairer than the sun at morning 

was the star that told his birth, 

to the world its God announcing 

seen in fleshly form on earth.


Eastern sages at his cradle 

make oblations rich and rare; 

see them give in deep devotion  

gold and frankincense and myrrh.


Sacred gifts of mystic meaning:

incense doth their God disclose, 

gold the King of kings proclaimeth, 

myrrh his sepulchre foreshows.


Jesu, whom the Gentiles worshipped 

at thy glad Epiphany, 

unto thee with God the Father 

and the Spirit glory be.



Good Christian men, rejoice


Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
News! News!
Jesus Christ was born to-day:
Ox and ass before Him bow,
And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today.


Good Christian men, rejoice,
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss:
Joy! Joy!
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath ope'd the heav'nly door,
And man is blessed evermore.
Christ was born for this! 

Christ was born for this!


Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace!
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one, and calls you all,
To gain His everlasting hall:
Christ was born to save! 

Christ was born to save!



CP67


See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the gentle Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years.
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Lo, within a manger lies
he who built the starry skies;
he who, throned in height sublime,
sits amid the cherubim. Hail...
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Say, ye holy shepherds, say,
what your joyful news today.
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep? Hail...
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

"As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Saviour's birth." Hail...
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Sacred Infant, all divine,
what a tender love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this.  Hail...
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Teach, O teach us, holy Child,
by thy face so meek and mild,
teach us to resemble thee,
in thy sweet humility.          

        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

From the eastern mountains

pressing on they come,

wise men in their wisdom,

to his humble home;

stirred by deep devotion,

hasting from afar,

ever journeying onward,

guided by a star.


There their Lord and Saviour

meek and lowly lay,

wondrous light that led them

onward on their way,

ever now to lighten

nations from afar,

as they journey homeward

by that guiding star.


Thou who in a manger

once hast lowly lain,

who dost now in glory

o'er all kingdoms reign,

gather in the peoples,

who in lands afar

ne'er have seen the brightness

of thy guiding star.


Onward through the darkness

of the lonely night,

shining still before them

with thy kindly light,

guide them, Jew and Gentile,

homeward from afar,

young and old together,

by thy guiding star.


Until every nation,

whether bond or free,

'neath thy star-lit banner,

Jesu, follow thee

o'er the distant mountains

to that heavenly home,

where nor sin nor sorrow

evermore shall come.



CP90


Songs of thankfulness and praise, 

Jesu, Lord, to thee we raise, 

manifested by the star 

to the sages from afar; 

branch of royal David's stem 

in thy birth at Bethlehem:  

anthems be to thee addrest, 

God in man made manifest.


Manifest at Jordan's stream,

Prophet, Priest, and King supreme; 

and at Cana wedding-guest 

in thy Godhead manifest; 

manifest in power divine, 

changing water into wine: 

anthems be to thee addrest,

God in man made manifest.


Manifest in making whole 

palsied limbs and fainting soul; 

manifest in valiant fight, 

quelling all the devil's might; 

manifest in gracious will, 

ever bringing good from ill: 

anthems be to thee addrest,

God in man made manifest.


Sun and moon shall darkened be, 

stars shall fall, the heavens shall flee; 

Christ will then like lightning shine, 

all will see his glorious sign;

all will then the trumpet hear, 

all will see the Judge appear: 

thou by all wilt be confest,

 God in man made manifest.


Grant us grace to see thee, Lord,  

mirrored in thy holy word;  

may we imitate thee now, 

and be pure, as pure art thou;  

that we like to thee may be  

at thy great Epiphany; 

and may praise thee, ever blest,  

God in man made manifest.




CP55


In the bleak mid-winter 
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, 
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, 
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.


Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him 
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter 
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, 
Jesus Christ.


Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and Seraphim
Thronged the air;
But His mother only,
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss


What can I give Him, 
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him, 
Give my heart.

​

​

CP56


It came upon the midnight clear, 

that glorious song of old, 

from angels bending near the earth

to touch their harps of gold:

'Peace on the earth, good will to men, 

from heaven's all-gracious King!' 

the world in solemn stillness lay  

to hear the angels sing.  


Still through the cloven skies they come, 

with peaceful wings unfurled; 

and still their heavenly music floats 

o'er all the weary world: 

above its sad and lowly plains 

they bend on hovering wing; 

and ever o'er its Babel-sounds 

the blesséd angels sing. 


Yet with the woes of sin and strife 

the world has suffered long; 

beneath the angel strain have rolled  

two thousand years of wrong;  

and man, at war with man, hears not 

the love-song which they bring:

O hush the noise, ye men of strife, 

and hear the angels sing.

  

For lo, the days are hastening on,

by prophet-bards foretold,   

when, with the ever-circling years, 

comes round the age of gold; 

when peace shall over all the earth 

its ancient splendours fling,   

and the whole world give back the song 

which now the angels sing. 

​

CP61

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the King of angels;
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        Christ the Lord.


God of God,
Light of Light;
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin's womb:
Very God,
Begotten, not created; 
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        Christ the Lord.


Sing, choirs of angels;
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God
In the highest;
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        Christ the Lord.


Yea, Lord we greet thee
Born that happy morning
Jesus to thee be glory given
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing.                                                     O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        Christ the Lord.

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

CHRISTMAS
SONGS OF PRAISE

CP 66

​

Once in royal David's city
Stood a lowly cattle shed,
Where a mother laid her Baby,
In a manger for His bed:
Mary was that mother mild,
Jesus Christ her little Child.


He came down to earth from heaven,
Who is God and Lord of all,
And His shelter was a stable,
And His cradle was a stall;
With the poor, and mean, and lowly,
Lived on earth our Saviour holy.


And through all His wondrous childhood
He would honour and obey,
Love and watch the lowly maiden,
In whose gentle arms He lay:
Christian children all must be
Mild, obedient, good as He.


For he is our childhood's pattern;
Day by day, like us He grew;
He was little, weak and helpless,
Tears and smiles like us He knew;
And He feeleth for our sadness,
And He shareth in our gladness.


And our eyes at last shall see Him
Through his own redeeming love
For that Child, so dear and gentle,
Is our Lord in Heaven above;
And he leads His children on
To the place where He is gone


Not in that poor lowly stable,
With the oxen standing by,
We shall see Him; but in heaven,
Set at God's right hand on high;
Where like stars His children crowned
All in white shall wait around.


CP76

​

While shepherds watched their flocks by night,
All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down,
And glory shone around.


Fear not, said he, for mighty dread
Had seized their troubled mind.
Glad tidings of great joy I bring
To you and all mankind.


To you, in David's town, this day
Is born of David's line
A Saviour, who is Christ the Lord,
And this shall be the sign.


The heavenly Babe you there shall find
To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swaddling bands,
And in a manger laid.


Thus spake the Seraph, and forthwith
Appeared a shining throng
Of Angels praising God who thus,
Addressed their joyful song.


All glory be to God on high,
And to the earth be peace;
Good will henceforth from heaven to men
Begin and never cease!


MP114

Ding Dong! Merrily on high
In heav'n the bells are ringing
Ding, dong! verily the sky
Is riv'n with angel singing
        Gloria, hosanna in excelsis:

        Gloria, hosanna in excelsis!

​

E'en so here below, below
Let steeple bells be swung'n
And I-O, I-O, I-O
By priest and people sung'n

        Gloria, hosanna in excelsis:

        Gloria, hosanna in excelsis!


Pray ye dutifully prime
Your matin chime, ye ringers
May ye beautifully rhyme
Your eve time song, ye singers

        Gloria, hosanna in excelsis:

        Gloria, hosanna in excelsis!

​

​

CP61

​

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold Him
Born the King of angels;
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        Christ the Lord.

​

God of God,
Light of Light;
Lo, He abhors not the Virgin's womb:
Very God,
Begotten, not created; 
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        Christ the Lord.

​

Sing, choirs of angels;
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God
In the highest;
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        Christ the Lord.

​

Yea, Lord we greet thee
Born that happy morning
Jesus to thee be glory given
Word of the Father
Now in flesh appearing.                       

        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        O come, let us adore Him,
        Christ the Lord.




CP55

​

In the bleak mid-winter 
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron, 
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow, 
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.


Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him 
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter 
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty, 
Jesus Christ.


Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and Seraphim
Thronged the air;
But His mother only,
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss


What can I give Him, 
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him, 
Give my heart.


CP63

​

O little town of Bethlehem,
    How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
    The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
    The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
    Are met in thee to-night.


O morning stars, together
    Proclaim the holy birth!
And praises sing to God the King,
    And peace to men on earth.
For Christ is born of Mary
    And gathered all above,
While mortals sleep the Angels keep
    Their watch of wondering love.


How silently, how silently
   The wondrous gift is given!
So God imparts to human hearts
   The blessings of His heaven
No ear may hear His coming
   But in this world of sin,
Where meek souls will receive him still
   The dear Christ enters in.


O holy Child of Bethlehem,
    Descend to us, we pray!
Cast out our sin and enter in,
    Be born in us to-day.
We hear the Christmas angels,
    The great glad tidings tell;
O come to us, abide with us,
    Our Lord Emmanuel!


CP69

​

Silent night! Holy night!
All is calm, all is bright,
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child!
Holy Infant, so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace!
Sleep in heavenly peace!


Silent night! Holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from Heaven afar,
Heavenly Hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!
Christ, the Saviour, is born!


Silent night! Holy night!
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy Holy Face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!
Jesus, Lord, at Thy Birth!

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

CP48  

​

CHRISTIANS, awake! salute the happy morn, 

whereon the Saviour of the world was born; 

rise to adore the mystery of love,  

which hosts of angels chanted from above: 

with them the joyful tidings first begun 

of God incarnate and the Virgin's Son.


Then to the watchful shepherds it was told,  

who heard the angelic herald's voice, 'Behold, 

I bring good tidings of a Saviour's birth 

to you and all the nations upon earth: 

this day hath God fulfilled his promised word, 

this day is born a Saviour, Christ the Lord.'   


He spake; and straightway the celestial choir 

in hymns of joy, unknown before, conspire;  

the praises of redeeming love they sang,  

and heaven's whole orb with alleluias rang: 

God's highest glory was their anthem still,  

peace upon earth, and unto men good will.


To Bethl'em straight the enlightened shepherds ran,  

to see the wonder God had wrought for man, 

and found, with Joseph and the blessed Maid,  

her Son, the Saviour, in a manger laid: 

then to their flocks, still praising God, return,  

and their glad hearts with holy rapture burn.


O may we keep and ponder in our mind   

God's wondrous love in saving lost mankind;  

trace we the babe, who hath retrieved our loss, 

from his poor manger to his bitter cross; 

tread in his steps, assisted by his grace,  

till man's first heavenly state again takes place.


Then may we hope, the angelic hosts among, 

to sing, redeemed, a glad triumphal song: 

he that was born upon this joyful day   

around us all his glory shall display; 

saved by his love, incessant we shall sing  

eternal praise to heaven's almighty King.



CP68

​

SEE him lying on a bed of straw,   

a draughty stable with an open door;

Mary cradling the babe she bore 

the Prince of glory is his name.

                   O now carry me to Bethlehem 

                   to see the Lord of love again:

                   just as poor as was the stable then, 

                   the Prince of glory when he came!


Star of silver, sweep across the skies, 

show where Jesus in the manger lies; 

shepherds, swiftly from your stupor rise 

to see the Saviour of the world!

                   O now carry me to Bethlehem 

                   to see the Lord of love again:

                   just as poor as was the stable then, 

                   the Prince of glory when he came!

​

Angels, sing again the song you sang,   

sing the glory of God's gracious plan; 

sing that Bethl'em's little baby can      

be salvation to the soul.

                   O now carry me to Bethlehem 

                   to see the Lord of love again:

                   just as poor as was the stable then, 

                   the Prince of glory when he came!


Mine are riches, from your poverty; 

from your innocence, eternity; 

forgiveness by your death for me, 

child of sorrow for my joy. 

                   O now carry me to Bethlehem 

                   to see the Lord of love again:

                   just as poor as was the stable then, 

                   the Prince of glory when he came!


​


MP39

​

As with gladness men of glory,

old  did the guiding star behold; 

as with joy they hailed its light,  

leading onward, beaming bright,  

so, most gracious God, may we  

led by You for ever be.


As with joyful steps they sped,  

Saviour, to Your lowly bed,   

there to bend the knee before  

You whom heaven and earth adore, 

so may we with one accord, 

seek forgiveness from our Lord.


As they offered gifts most rare, 

gold and frankincense and myrrh, 

so may we, cleansed from our sin, 

lives of service now begin,  

as in love our treasures bring, 

Christ, to You our heavenly King.


Holy Jesus, every day  

keep us in the narrow way;  

and when earthly things are past,  

bring our ransomed souls at last  

where they need no star to guide, 

where no clouds Your glory hide. 


In the heavenly country bright 

need they no created light;

You its light, its joy, its crown,

You its sun which goes not down. 

There for ever may we sing 

Hallelujahs to our King.



MP65

​

Brightest and best 

    of the sons of the morning,

dawn on our darkness   

    and lend us thine aid; 

star of the east the horizon adoring, 

guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.


Cold on His cradle 

    the dew-drops are shining; 

low lies His head

    with the beasts of the stall:

angels adore Him, in slumber reclining, 

maker and monarch, and Saviour of all.


Say, shall we yield Him, 

    in costly devotion, 

odours of Edom, and offerings divine;  

gems of the mountain, 

    and pearls of the ocean, 

myrrh from the forest, 

    or gold from the mine? 


Vainly we offer each ample oblation; 

vainly with gifts

    would His favour secure; 

richer by far is the heart's adoration;  

dearer to God 

    are the prayers of the poor.


Brightest and best  

    of the sons of the morning, 

dawn on our darkness  

and lend us thine aid;  

star of the east the horizon adorning, 

guide where our infant Redeemer is laid.



MP342 

Infant holy, infant lowly, 

for His bed a cattle stall; 

oxen lowing, little knowing 

Christ the babe is Lord of all. 

Swift are winging angels singing,

nowells ringing, tidings bringing: 

Christ the babe is Lord of all;

Christ the babe is Lord of all!


Flocks were sleeping,  

shepherds keeping 

vigil till the morning new, 

saw the glory, heard the story — 

tidings of a gospel true. 

Thus rejoicing, free from sorrow, 

praises voicing, greet the morrow: 

Christ the babe was born for you; 

Christ the babe was born for you!

​

​

CP57


Joy to the world, the Lord is come!  

let earth receive her King;  

let every heart prepare him room,   

and heaven and nature sing,  

and heaven and nature sing, 

and heaven, and heaven and nature sing.


Joy to the world, the Saviour reigns! 

let all their songs employ;  

while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains  

repeat the sounding joy, 

repeat the sounding joy,   

repeat, repeat the sounding joy. 


He rules the world with truth and grace,  

and makes the nations prove   

the glories of his righteousness   

and wonders of his love, 

and wonders of his love, 

and wonders, wonders of his love.



CP59


Love came down at Christmas,  

love all lovely, Love divine;  

love was born at Christmas,  

star and angels gave the sign. 


Worship we the Godhead, 

love incarnate, Love divine; 

worship we our Jesus: 

but wherewith for sacred sign?


Love shall be our token, 

love be yours and love be mine,

Love to God and all men,  

love for plea and gift and sign.

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

CP53

​

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." 
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ, by highest heav'n adored:
Christ, the everlasting Lord;
Late in time behold him come,
Offspring of a virgin’s womb.
Veil'd in flesh, the Godhead see;
Hail, th'incarnate Deity:
Pleased, as man, with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel!
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail! the heav'n born Prince of peace!
Hail! the Son 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.
Hark! the herald angels sing,
"Glory to the newborn King!


​

​

MP644

​

The First Noel, the Angels did say
Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay
In fields where they lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night that was so deep
            Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
            Born is the King of Israel

They looked up and saw a star
Shining in the East beyond them far
And to the earth it gave great light
And so it continued both day and night
            Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
            Born is the King of Israel

​

And by the light of this same star
Three wise men came from country far;
To seek for a King was their intent,
And to follow the star wherever it went
            Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
            Born is the King of Israel

​

This star drew nigh to the northwest
O'er Bethlehem it took its rest
And there it did both Pause and stay
Right o'er the place where Jesus lay
            Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
            Born is the King of Israel

​

Then entered in those wise men three,
Full reverently upon their knee
And offered there in His Presence
Their gold and myrrh and frankincense
            Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
            Born is the King of Israel

Then let us all with one accord
Sing praises to our heavenly Lord
That hath made Heaven and earth of nought
And with his blood mankind has bought
            Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel
            Born is the King of Israel


CP45

​

Away in a manger, no crib for a bed,
The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head.
The stars in the sky looked down where he lay,
The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes,
But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes.
I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky
And stay by my cradle until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in Thy tender care,
And take us to heaven, to live with Thee there.



CP56

​

It came upon the midnight clear, 

that glorious song of old, 

from angels bending near the earth

to touch their harps of gold:

'Peace on the earth, good will to men, 

from heaven's all-gracious King!' 

the world in solemn stillness lay  

to hear the angels sing.  


Still through the cloven skies they come, 

with peaceful wings unfurled; 

and still their heavenly music floats 

o'er all the weary world: 

above its sad and lowly plains 

they bend on hovering wing; 

and ever o'er its Babel-sounds 

the blesséd angels sing. 


Yet with the woes of sin and strife 

the world has suffered long; 

beneath the angel strain have rolled  

two thousand years of wrong;  

and man, at war with man, hears not 

the love-song which they bring:

O hush the noise, ye men of strife, 

and hear the angels sing.

  

For lo, the days are hastening on,

by prophet-bards foretold,   

when, with the ever-circling years, 

comes round the age of gold; 

when peace shall over all the earth 

its ancient splendours fling,   

and the whole world give back the song 

which now the angels sing. 


CP67

​

See amid the winter's snow,
born for us on earth below,
see, the gentle Lamb appears,
promised from eternal years.
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Lo, within a manger lies
he who built the starry skies;
he who, throned in height sublime,
sits amid the cherubim. Hail...
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Say, ye holy shepherds, say,
what your joyful news today.
wherefore have ye left your sheep
on the lonely mountain steep? Hail...
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

"As we watched at dead of night,
lo, we saw a wondrous light;
angels singing 'Peace on earth'
told us of the Saviour's birth." Hail...
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Sacred Infant, all divine,
what a tender love was thine,
thus to come from highest bliss
down to such a world as this.  Hail...
        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!

Teach, O teach us, holy Child,
by thy face so meek and mild,
teach us to resemble thee,
in thy sweet humility.          

        Hail that ever blessèd morn!
        hail redemption's happy dawn!
        sing through all Jerusalem:
        Christ is born in Bethlehem!


CP91

​

We three kings of Orient are
Bearing gifts, we traverse afar.
Field and fountain, moor and mountain,
following yonder star.

                 O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
                 star with Royal Beauty bright,
                 westward leading, Still proceeding,
                 guide us to Thy perfect Light.


Born a King on Bethlehem plain,
Gold I bring to crown Him again,
King forever, ceasing never
over us all to reign. 

                 O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
                 star with Royal Beauty bright,
                 westward leading, Still proceeding,
                 guide us to Thy perfect Light.


Frankincense to offer have I;
Incense owns a Deity nigh:
Prayer and praising, all men raising,
worship Him God most high. 

                 O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
                 star with Royal Beauty bright,
                 westward leading, Still proceeding,
                 guide us to Thy perfect Light


Myrrh is mine; it’s bitter perfume;
Breathes a life of gathering gloom:
Sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,
sealed in the stone-cold tomb. 

                 O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
                 star with Royal Beauty bright,
                 westward leading, Still proceeding,
                 guide us to Thy perfect Light.


Glorious now behold Him arise,
King and God and sacrifice.
Heav'n sings: Alleluia                                        

Alleluia the earth replies.         

                 O Star of Wonder, Star of Night,
                 star with Royal Beauty bright,
                 westward leading, Still proceeding,
                 guide us to Thy perfect Light.



CP 44

Angels from the realms of glory, 

wing your flight o'er all the earth; 

ye who sang creation's story  

now proclaim Messiah's birth:

        Come and worship Christ the new-born King,  

        come and worship, 

        worship Christ the new-born King.


Shepherds in the field abiding, 

watching o'er your flocks by night,

God with us is now residing; 

yonder shines the infant Light: 

        Come and worship Christ the new-born King,  

        come and worship, 

        worship Christ the new-born King.

     

Sages, leave your contemplations; 

brighter visions beam afar; 

seek the great Desire of Nations; 

ye have seen his natal star:

        Come and worship Christ the new-born King,  

        come and worship, 

        worship Christ the new-born King.


Saints before the altar bending, 

watching long in hope and fear, 

suddenly the Lord, descending, 

in his temple shall appear:

        Come and worship Christ the new-born King,  

        come and worship, 

        worship Christ the new-born King.


Though an infant now we view him, 

he shall fill his Father's throne, 

gather all the nations to him; 

every knee shall then bow down:        

        Come and worship Christ the new-born King,  

        come and worship, 

        worship Christ the new-born King.

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

Good Christian men, rejoice


Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Give ye heed to what we say:
News! News!
Jesus Christ was born to-day:
Ox and ass before Him bow,
And He is in the manger now.
Christ is born today! Christ is born today.


Good Christian men, rejoice,
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye hear of endless bliss:
Joy! Joy!
Jesus Christ was born for this!
He hath ope'd the heav'nly door,
And man is blessed evermore.
Christ was born for this! 

Christ was born for this!


Good Christian men, rejoice
With heart, and soul, and voice;
Now ye need not fear the grave:
Peace! Peace!
Jesus Christ was born to save!
Calls you one, and calls you all,
To gain His everlasting hall:
Christ was born to save! 

Christ was born to save!

​

​

God rest ye merry gentlemen


God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's pow'r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy


God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's pow'r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy


In Bethlehem, in Israel

This blessed Babe was born

And laid within a manger

Upon this blessed morn

The which His Mother Mary

Did nothing take in scorn

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy


Fear not then, said the Angel

Let nothing you affright

This day is born a Savior

Of a pure Virgin bright

To free all those who trust in Him

From Satan's pow'r and might

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy


God rest ye merry gentlemen

Let nothing you dismay

Remember Christ our Savior

Was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's pow'r

When we were gone astray

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh tidings of comfort and joy

​


O Holy Night


O Holy Night!

The stars are brightly shining

It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!

Long lay the world in sin and error pining

Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.

A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices

For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!


Fall on your knees

Oh hear the angel voices

Oh night divine

Oh night when Christ was born

Oh night divine

Oh night divine


Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming

With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand

So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming

Here come the wise men from Orient land

The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger

In all our trials born to be our friend


Truly He taught us to love one another

His law is love and His gospel is peace

Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother

And in His name all oppression shall cease

Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,

Let all within us praise His holy name 



Deck the Halls


Deck the halls with boughs of holly, Fa la la la la la la la!

'Tis the season to be jolly, Fa la la la la la la la!

Don we now our gay apparel, Fa la la la la la la la!

Troll the ancient Yuletide carol, Fa la la la la la la la!


See the blazing yule before us, Fa la la la la la la la!

Strike the harp and join the chorus, Fa la la la la la la la!


Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la la la la!

While I tell of Yuletide treasure, Fa la la la la la la la!


Fast away the old year passes, Fa la la la la la la la!

Hail the new, ye lads and lasses, Fa la la la la la la la!

Sing we joyous all together! Fa la la la la la la la!

Heedless of the wind and weather, Fa la la la la la la 


​


We Wish You A Merry Christmas


We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year.


        Good tidings to you,

        And all of your kin,

        Good tidings for Christmas,

        And a Happy New Year.


We all know that Santa's coming,

We all know that Santa's coming,

We all know that Santa's coming,

And soon will be here.


        Good tidings to you,

        And all of your kin,

        Good tidings for Christmas,

        And a Happy New Year.


We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year 

​


The Twelve Days of Christmas


On the first day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

A Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the second day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the third day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the fourth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the fifth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

5 Golden Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the sixth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

6 Geese a Laying

5 Golden Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the seventh day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

7 Swans a Swimming

6 Geese a Laying

5 Golden Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the eighth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

8 Maids a Milking

7 Swans a Swimming

6 Geese a Laying

5 Golden Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the ninth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

9 Ladies Dancing

8 Maids a Milking

7 Swans a Swimming

6 Geese a Laying

5 Golden Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the tenth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

10 Lords a Leaping

9 Ladies Dancing

8 Maids a Milking

7 Swans a Swimming

6 Geese a Laying

5 Golden Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the eleventh day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

11 Pipers Piping

10 Lords a Leaping

9 Ladies Dancing

8 Maids a Milking

7 Swans a Swimming

6 Geese a Laying

5 Golden Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree


On the twelfth day of Christmas

my true love sent to me:

12 Drummers Drumming

11 Pipers Piping

10 Lords a Leaping

9 Ladies Dancing

8 Maids a Milking

7 Swans a Swimming

6 Geese a Laying

5 Golden Rings

4 Calling Birds

3 French Hens

2 Turtle Doves

and a Partridge in a Pear Tree 


​

Jingle Bells

Dashing through the snow

On a one horse open sleigh

O'er the fields we go,

Laughing all the way

Bells on bob tail ring,

making spirits bright

What fun it is to laugh and sing

A sleighing song tonight


Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh


A day or two ago,

I thought I'd take a ride,

And soon Miss Fanny Bright

Was seated by my side;

The horse was lean and lank

Misfortune seemed his lot

We got into a drifted bank,

And then we got upsot.


Oh, jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh

Jingle bells, jingle bells

Jingle all the way

Oh, what fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh


Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,

Jingle all the way!

Oh, What fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,

Jingle all the way!

Oh, What fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh.


Now the ground is white

Go it while you're young

Take the girls tonight

And sing this sleighing song

Just get a bob tailed bay

two-forty as his speed

Hitch him to an open sleigh

And crack! you'll take the lead


Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,

Jingle all the way!

Oh, What fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh.

Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,

Jingle all the way!

Oh, What fun it is to ride

In a one horse open sleigh. 

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

ADVENT
SONGS OF PRAISE

CP 24

​

COME, thou long-expected Jesus, 

born to set thy 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 every 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 thy own eternal Spirit, 

rule in all our hearts alone: 

by thy all-suffcient merit, 

raise us to thy glorious throne.


CP 26

​

HARK, a thrilling voice is sounding; 

'Christ is nigh,' it seems to say;

'cast away the dreams of darkness, 

O ye children of the day.'


Wakened by the solemn warning,  

let the earth-bound soul arise;

Christ, her Sun, all ill dispelling, 

shines upon the morning skies.


Lo, the Lamb, so long expected,  

comes with pardon down from heaven; 

let us haste, with tears of sorrow, 

one and all to be forgiven;

​

That when next he comes with glory, 

and the world is wrapped in fear, 

with his mercy he may shield us, 

and with words of love draw near.


Honour, glory, might, 

and blessing to the Father and the Son, 

with the everlasting Spirit, 

while eternal ages run.


CP 29

​

HILLS of the North, rejoice,

 river and mountain-spring,  

hark to the advent voice; 

and lowland, sing.

Christ comes in righteousness and love, 

he brings salvation from above.


Isles of the Southern seas, 

sing to the listening earth, 

carry on every breeze 

hope of a world's new birth: 

In Christ shall all be made anew,  

his word is sure, his promise true.


Lands of the East, arise,

he is your brightest morn,

greet him with joyous eyes, 

praise shall his path adorn:

your seers have longed to know their Lord; 

to you he comes, the final word.


Shores of the utmost West, 

lands of the setting sun, 

welcome the heavenly guest 

in whom the dawn has come: 

he brings a never-ending light  

who triumphed o'er our darkest night.


CP 31 

​

LO, he comes with clouds descending,  

once for favoured sinners slain;  

thousand thousand saints attending  

swell the triumph of his train:  

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

God appears on earth to reign.


Every eye shall now behold him  

robed in dreadful majesty; 

those who set at naught and sold him, 

pierced and nailed him to the Tree,  

deeply wailing, deeply wailing, deeply wailing,

shall the true Messiah see.


Those dear tokens of his passion 

still his dazzling body bears,  

cause of endless exultation   

to his ransomed worshippers:  

with what rapture,  with what rapture, 

gaze we on those glorious scars!


Yea, Amen, let all adore thee, 

high on thine eternal throne;

Saviour, take the power and glory,  

claim the kingdom for thine own:

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Thou shalt reign, and thou alone.


CP 32

​

O come, O come, Emmanuel,  

and ransom captive Israel,  

that mourns in lonely exile here,  

until the Son of God appear:  

        Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel 

        shall come to thee, O Israel.  


O come, thou Rod of Jesse, free  

thine own from Satan's tyranny;  

from depths of hell thy people save, 

and give them victory o'er the grave: 

        Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel 

        shall come to thee, O Israel.  


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: 

        Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel 

        shall come to thee, O Israel.  


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: 

        Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel 

        shall come to thee, O Israel.  


O come, O come, thou Lord of Might, 

who to thy tribes, on Sinai's height,  

in ancient times didst give the law 

in cloud and majesty and awe:  

        Rejoice! rejoice! Emmanuel 

        shall come to thee, O Israel.  

​

CP 34

​

On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry 

announces that the Lord is nigh; 

awake and hearken, for he brings 

glad tidings from the King of kings.


Then cleansed be every breast from sin; 

make straight the way for God within; 

prepare we in our hearts a home,  

where such a mighty guest may come.


For thou art our salvation, Lord, 

our refuge and our great reward; 

without thy grace we waste away, 

like flowers that wither and decay.


To heal the sick stretch out thine hand, 

and bid the fallen sinner stand; 

shine forth, and let thy light restore  

earth's own true loveliness once more.


All praise, eternal Son, to thee 

whose advent doth thy people free, 

whom with the Father we adore, 

and Holy Ghost for evermore.


CP 35

​

People, look East. The time is near  

of the crowning of the year.

Make your house fair as you are able, 

trim the hearth and set the table.

People, look East and sing to-day:  

Love, the Guest, is on the way.


Furrows, be glad. Though earth is bare 

one more seed is planted there:  

give up your strength the seed to nourish 

that in course the flower may flourish.  

People, look East, and sing today: 

Love, the Rose, is on the way.

Stars, keep the watch. When night is dim 

one more light the bowl shall brim 

shining beyond the frosty weather, 

bright as sun and moon together.

People, look East, and sing today: 

Love, the Star, is on the way.


Angels, announce with shouts of mirth 

him who brings new life to earth.

Set every peak and valley humming 

with the word, the Lord is coming. 

People, look East, and sing today: 

Love, the Lord, is on the way.

​

​

A&M 484 


Long ago, prophets knew 

Christ would come, born a Jew,  

come to make all things new, 

bear his people's burden, 

freely love and pardon.

        Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! 

        Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!

        When he comes, 

        when he comes, 

        who will make him welcome?


God in time, God in man, 

this is God's timeless plan: 

he will come, as a man,  

born himself of woman, 

God divinely human : 

        Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! 

        Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!

        When he comes, 

        when he comes, 

        who will make him welcome?


Mary, hail ! Though afraid,   

she believed, she obeyed. 

In her womb God is laid,  

till the time expected,  

nurtured and protected : 

        Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring! 

        Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!

        When he comes, 

        when he comes, 

        who will make him welcome?


Journey ends: where afar 

Bethlem shines, like a star, 

stable door stands ajar. 

Unborn Son of Mary, 

Saviour, do not tarry.

        Ring, bells, ring, ring, ring!

        Sing, choirs, sing, sing, sing!

        Jesus comes,

        Jesus comes :

        we will make him welcome.

​

CP 242


THE Angel Gabriel from heaven came, 

his wings as drifted snow, his eyes as flame;

'All hail,' said he, 'thou lowly maiden Mary, 

most highly favoured lady.'  Gloria!


'For known a blessed Mother thou shalt be, 

all generations laud and honour thee, 

thy son shall be Emmanuel, by seers foretold; 

most highly favoured lady.' Gloria!


Then gentle Mary meekly bowed her head,

'To me be as it pleaseth God,' she said,

'My soul shall laud and magnify his holy name': 

most highly favoured lady. Gloria!

Of her, Emmanuel, the Christ was born 

in Bethlehem, all on a Christmas morn, 

and Christian folk throughout the world will ever say 

'Most highly favoured lady.' Gloria!


A&M 96 

​

Bright the vision that delighted  

once the sight of Judah's seer; 

sweet the countless tongues united 

to entrance the prophet's ear.


Round the Lord in glory seated 

cherubim and seraphim  

filled his temple, and repeated

each to each the alternate hymn:


'Lord, thy glory fills the heaven; 

earth is with its fulness stored; 

unto thee be glory given,

Holy, holy, holy, Lord.'


Heaven is still with glory ringing, 

earth takes up the angels' cry,

'Holy, holy, holy,' singing,

'Lord of hosts, the Lord most high.'


With his seraph train before him, 

with his holy Church below, 

thus unite we to adore him, 

bid we thus our anthem flow:


'Lord, thy glory fills the heaven; 

earth is with its fulness stored; 

unto thee be glory given,

Holy, holy, holy, Lord.'

​

​

Longing for light, we wait in darkness. 

Longing for truth, we turn to you. 

Make us your own, your holy people, 

light for the world to see. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in our hearts. 

        Shine through the darkness. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in your church gathered today. 


Longing for peace, our world is troubled. 

Longing for hope, many despair. 

Your word alone has power to save us. 

Make us your living voice. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in our hearts. 

        Shine through the darkness. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in your church gathered today. 


Longing for food, many are hungry. 

Longing for water, many still thirst. 

Make us your bread, broken for others, 

shared until all are fed. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in our hearts. 

        Shine through the darkness. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in your church gathered today. 


Longing for shelter, many are homeless. 

Longing for warmth, many are cold. 

Make us your building, sheltering others, 

walls made of living stone. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in our hearts. 

        Shine through the darkness. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in your church gathered today. 


Many the gifts, many the people, 

many the hearts that yearn to belong. 

Let us be servants to one another, 

making your kingdom come. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in our hearts. 

        Shine through the darkness. 

        Christ, be our light! 

        Shine in your church gathered today. 

​

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

ADVENT
SONGS OF PRAISE 2

CP 27


Hark the glad sound! the Saviour comes, 

the Saviour promised long:

Let every heart prepare a throne

and every voice a song.


He comes, the prisoners to release 

in Satan's bondage held;  

the gates of brass before him burst,   

the iron fetters yield. 


He comes, the broken heart to bind,  

the bleeding soul to cure,  

and with the treasures of his grace  

to enrich the humble poor.


Our glad hosannas, Prince of peace,  

thy welcome shall proclaim; 

and heaven's eternal arches ring 

with thy beloved name. 


CP 28

​

Hark what a sound, and too divine for hearing, 

stirs on the earth and trembles in the air!

Is it the thunder of the Lord's appearing?   

Is it the music of his people's prayer? 


Surely he cometh, and a thousand voices    

shout to the saints, and to the deaf are dumb; 

surely he cometh, and the earth rejoices,    

glad in his coming who hath sworn: I come! 


This hath he done, and shall we not adore him?  

This shall he do, and can we still despair? 

come, let us quickly fling ourselves before him,  

cast at his feet the burden of our care.  


Yea through life, death, through sorrow   

    and through sinning,  

he shall suffice me, for he hath sufficed: 

Christ is the end, for Christ was the beginning,  

Christ the beginning, for the end is Christ.



CP 36


The advent of our King  

our prayers must now employ,  

and we must hymns of welcome sing 

in strains of holy joy.


The everlasting Son 

incarnate deigns to be; 

himself a servant's form puts on,  

to set his servants free. 


Daughter of Sion, rise   

to meet thy lowly King;  

nor let thy faithless heart despise 

the peace he comes to bring. 


As judge, on clouds of light,   

he soon will come again, 

and his true members all unite  

with him in heaven to reign.


All glory to the Son 

who comes to set us free, 

with Father, Spirit, ever One, 

through all eternity.


CP 37

​

The Lord will come and not be slow, 

his footsteps cannot err; 

before him righteousness shall go, 

his royal harbinger.


Truth from the earth, like to a flower, 

shall bud and blossom then; 

and justice, from her heavenly bower, 

look down on mortal men.


Rise, God, judge thou the earth in might,  

this wicked earth redress; 

for thou art he who shalt by right  

the nations all possess.


The nations all whom thou hast made  

shall come, and all shall frame 

to bow them low before thee, Lord,  

and glorify thy name. 


For great thou art, and wonders great  

by thy strong hand are done:  

thou in thy everlasting seat

remainest God alone.


CP 38


The people that in darkness sat 

a glorious light have seen; 

the light has shined on them who long 

in shades of death have been.


To hail thee, Sun of Righteousness,   

the gathering nations come;  

they joy as when the reapers bear  

their harvest treasures home. 


For thou their burden dost remove,  

and break the tyrant's rod,  

as in the day when Midian fell

before the sword of God.


For unto us a child is born,   

to us a Son is given,  

and on his shoulder ever rests   

all power in earth and heaven.


His name shall be the Prince of Peace, 

the everlasting Lord,  

the Wonderful, the Counsellor,    

the God by all adored.


His righteous government and power 

shall over all extend; 

on judgement and on justice based, 

his reign shall have no end.


Lord Jesus, reign in us, we pray,  

and make us thine alone, 

who with the Father ever art  

and Holy Spirit One.


CP 39  


Wake, O wake! With tidings thrilling 

the watchmen all the air are filling,  

arise, Jerusalem, arise! 

Midnight strikes! No more delaying,

 'The hour has come!' we hear them saying,

 'where are ye all, ye virgins wise?  

The Bridegroom comes in sight,  

raise high your torches bright!'  

Alleluia! 

The wedding song swells loud and strong: 

go forth and join the festal throng.



Zion hears the watchmen shouting, 

her heart leaps up with joy undoubting, 

she stands and waits with eager eyes; 

see her Friend from heaven descending, 

adorned with truth and grace unending!

Her light burns clear, her star doth rise. 

Now come, thou precious Crown,  

Lord Jesus, God's own Son!   

Alleluia! 

Let us prepare to follow there,  

where in thy supper we may share. 


Every soul in thee rejoices;  

from earth and from angelic voices  

be glory given to thee alone!   

Now the gates of pearl receive us,  

thy presence never more shall leave us,  

we stand with angels round thy throne.  

Earth cannot give below   

the bliss thou dost bestow.  

Alleluia!

Grant us to raise, to length of days,  

the triumph-chorus of thy praise.


CP 476     


In a world where people walk in darkness,

let us turn our faces to the light, to the light 

of God revealed in Jesus, 

to the Daystar scattering our night. 

        For the light is stronger than the darkness  

        and the day will overcome the night, 

        though the shadows linger all around us,  

        let us turn our faces to the light. 


In a world where suffering of the helpless  

casts a shadow all along the way,   

let us bear the cross of Christ with gladness  

and proclaim the dawning of the day.  

        For the light is stronger than the darkness  

        and the day will overcome the night, 

        though the shadows linger all around us,  

        let us turn our faces to the light. 


Let us light a candle in the darkness,  

in the face of death a sign of life;  

as a sign of hope where all seemed hopeless,

as a sign of peace in place of strife.

        For the light is stronger than the darkness  

        and the day will overcome the night, 

        though the shadows linger all around us,  

        let us turn our faces to the light. 

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text

HARVEST
SONGS OF PRAISE

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty             564


Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, 

the King of creation;

O my soul, praise Him, 

for He is thy health and salvation; 

all ye who hear, 

brothers and sisters, draw near, 

praise Him in glad adoration.


Praise to the Lord, who o'er all things 

so wondrously reigneth, 

shelters thee under His wings, 

yea, so gently sustaineth: 

hast thou not seen?

all that is needful hath been 

granted in what He ordaineth.


Praise to the Lord, who doth prosper 

thy work, and defend thee! 

surely His goodness and mercy 

here daily attend thee. 

Ponder anew 

what the Almighty can do,  

who with His love doth befriend thee.


Praise to the Lord!

O let all that is in me adore Him!

All that hath life and breath come now

with praises before Him! 

Let the Amen  

sound from His people again: 

gladly for aye we adore Him.


Go, tell it on the mountain            179


        Go, tell it on the mountain, 

        over the hills and everywhere; 

        go, tell it on the mountain 

        that Jesus is His name.


He possessed no riches, 

no home to lay His head;

He saw the needs of others 

and cared for them instead. 

        Go, tell it on the mountain, 

        over the hills and everywhere; 

        go, tell it on the mountain 

        that Jesus is His name.


He reached out and touched them, 

the blind, the deaf, the lame; 

He spoke and listened gladly 

to anyone who came.  

        Go, tell it on the mountain, 

        over the hills and everywhere; 

        go, tell it on the mountain 

        that Jesus is His name.


Some turned away in anger, 

with hatred in the eye; 

they tried Him and condemned Him, 

then led Him out to die. 

        Go, tell it on the mountain, 

        over the hills and everywhere; 

        go, tell it on the mountain 

        that Jesus is His name.

     

'Father, now forgive them' —      

those were the words He said; 

in three more days He was alive 

and risen from the dead.

        Go, tell it on the mountain, 

        over the hills and everywhere; 

        go, tell it on the mountain 

        that Jesus is His name.


He still comes to people,

His life moves through the lands;

He uses us for speaking,

He touches with our hands.

        Go, tell it on the mountain, 

        over the hills and everywhere; 

        go, tell it on the mountain 

        that Jesus is His name.



This is the day                691


This is the day, 

this is the day that the Lord has made, 

that the Lord has made. 

We will rejoice, 

we will rejoice and be glad in it, 

and be glad in it.

This is the day that the Lord has made, 

we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

This is the day, 

this is the day that the Lord hath made.


This is the day, 

this is the day when He rose again, 

when He rose again. 

We will rejoice, 

we will rejoice and be glad in it,  

and be glad in it.

This is the day when He rose again, 

we will rejoice and be glad in it.  

This is the day, 

this is the day when He rose again.


This is the day, 

this is the day when the Spirit came, 

when the Spirit came. 

We will rejoice, 

we will rejoice and be glad in it, 

and be glad in it.

This is the day when the Spirit came, 

we will rejoice and be glad in it. 

This is the day, 

this is the day when the Spirit came.


Open to us, 

open to us the gates of God,
the gates of God;
we will go in, 

we will go in and praise the Lord, 

and praise the Lord.
Open to us the gates of God;
we will go in and praise the Lord.
Open to us, 

open to us the gates of God.

You are our God, 

you are our God; we will praise your name,
we will praise your name;
we will give thanks, 

we will give thanks for your faithfulness, 

for your faithfulness.
You are our God; 

we will praise your name;
we will give thanks for your faithfulness.
You are our God, you are our God;
we will praise your name.



Fight the good fight             220 A&M          

Fight the good fight with all thy might; 

Christ is thy strength, and Christ thy right; 

lay hold on life, and it shall be  

thy joy and crown eternally.


Run the straight race through God's good grace, 

lift up thine eyes, and seek his face;  

life with its way before us lies;

Christ is the path, and Christ the prize.


Cast care aside, lean on thy guide; 

his boundless mercy will provide; 

trust, and thy trusting soul shall prove 

Christ is its life, and Christ its love.


Faint not nor fear, his arms are near; 

he changeth not, and thou art dear;  

only believe, and thou shalt see 

that Christ is all in all to thee.



Let all the world in every corner sing            202 A&M


Let all the world in every corner sing, 

my God and King. 

The heavens are not too high,  

his praise may thither fly: 

the earth is not too low,  

his praises there may grow. 

Let all the world in every corner sing, 

my God and King.


Let all the world in every corner sing, 

my God and King.

The Church with psalms must shout, 

no door can keep them out; 

but above all the heart 

must bear the longest part.

Let all the world in every corner sing, 

my God and King.



Jesus Christ is risen to-day         77 A&M     


Jesus Christ is risen to-day, Alleluia. 

our triumphant holy day, Alleluia. 

who did once, upon the cross, Alleluia.  

suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia.


Hymns of praise then let us sing, Alleluia.

unto Christ, our heavenly King,  Alleluia.

who endured the Cross and grave, Alleluia.

sinners to redeem and save. Alleluia.


But the pains that he endured Alleluia.

our salvation have procured; Alleluia.

now above the sky he's King, Alleluia.

where the angels ever sing. Alleluia.



Thy hand, O God, has guided     171 A&M        


Thy hand, O God, has guided 

thy flock, from age to age; 

the wondrous tale is written, 

full clear, on every page;  

our fathers owned thy goodness,  

and we their deeds record; 

and both of this bear witness :

one Church, one faith, one Lord.


Thy heralds brought glad tidings  

to greatest, as to least; 

they bade men rise, and hasten

to share the great King's feast; 

and this was all their teaching,  

in every deed and word, 

to all alike proclaiming 

one Church, one faith, one Lord.


When shadows thick were falling,  

and all seemed sunk in night, 

thou, Lord, didst send thy servants, 

thy chosen sons of light. 

On them and on thy people   

thy plenteous grace was poured,  

and this was still their message:  

one Church, one faith, one Lord. 


Through many a day of darkness,

through many a scene of strife, 

the faithful few fought bravely,   

to guard the nation's life.

Their Gospel of redemption, 

sin pardoned, man restored, 

was all in this enfolded: 

one Church, one faith, one Lord.


And we, shall we be faithless?

shall hearts fail, hands hang down?  

shall we evade the conflict,  

and cast away our crown?

Not so: in God's deep counsels 

some better thing is stored; 

we will maintain, unflinching,   

one Church, one faith, one Lord.


Thy mercy will not fail us,     

nor leave thy work undone;      

with thy right hand to help us,

the victory shall be won;  

and then, by men and angels, 

thy name shall be adored, 

and this shall be their anthem: 

one Church, one faith, one Lord.



In Christ there is no east or west      376 A&M   


In Christ there is no east or west, 

in him no south or north, 

but one great fellowship of love 

throughout the whole wide earth.


In him shall true hearts everywhere   

their high communion find; 

his service is the golden cord, 

close binding all mankind.


Join hands, then, brothers of the faith,  

whate'er your race may be;  

who serves my Father as a son 

is surely kin to me.


In Christ now meet both east and west, 

in him meet south and north;  

all Christlike souls are one in him, 

throughout the whole wide earth.


Let us, with a gladsome mind              204 A&M


Let us, with a gladsome mind, 

praise the Lord, for he is kind: 

        for his mercies ay endure,  

        ever faithful, ever sure. 


Let us blaze his name abroad,  

for of gods he is the God:

        for his mercies ay endure,  

        ever faithful, ever sure. 


He with all-commanding might   

filled the new-made world with light:

        for his mercies ay endure,  

        ever faithful, ever sure. 


He the golden-tresséd sun 

caused all day his course to run:

        for his mercies ay endure,  

        ever faithful, ever sure. 


And the horned moon at night

'mid her spangled sisters bright:     

        for his mercies ay endure,  

        ever faithful, ever sure. 


 All things living he doth feed,  

his full hand supplies their need: 

        for his mercies ay endure,  

        ever faithful, ever sure. 


Let us, with a gladsome mind,  

praise the Lord, for he is kind:  

        for his mercies ay endure,  

        ever faithful, ever sure. 



Stand up, stand up for Jesus             221 A&M.        


Stand up, stand up for Jesus, 

ye soldiers of the Cross! 

lift high his royal banner, 

it must not suffer loss.

From victory unto victory 

his army he shall lead, 

till every foe is vanquished, 

and Christ is Lord indeed.


Stand up, stand up for Jesus!

the solemn watchword hear;  

if while ye sleep he suffers,  

away with shame and fear.  

Where'er ye meet with evil, 

within you or without, 

charge for the God of battles,  

and put the foe to rout.


Stand up, stand up for Jesus, 

the trumpet call obey;  

forth to the mighty conflict 

in this his glorious day.

Ye that are men now serve him  

against unnumbered foes; 

let courage rise with danger 

and strength to strength oppose.


Stand up, stand up for Jesus, 

stand in his strength alone; 

the arm of flesh will fail you, 

ye dare not trust your own.

Put on the Gospel armour,   

each piece put on with prayer; 

when duty calls or danger  

be never wanting there.


Stand up, stand up for Jesus,  

the strife will not be long; 

this day the noise of battle, 

the next the victor's song. 

To him that overcometh 

a crown of life shall be;

he with the King of Glory 

shall reign eternally. 

SEASONAL SONGS OF PRAISE: Text
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