Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Psalms, Hymns & Spiritual Songs: 09.12.30 (Advent 3)

This week we celebrated week three of Advent at The Crossing and the morning had several highlights for me, personally. We had a string trio as a part of the band which added a rich, warm texture to many of the songs while hinting at the of longing and need we're called to wait in during this season. 

We participated in communion together and also introduced a new/old hymn called "Savior of the Nations, Come" arranged by Bruce Benedict (a great musician and an acquaintance of mine). Bruce himself shares some thoughts on the hymn in his blog, Cardiphonia, that give some insight into its history and meaning.
Savior of the Nations, Come is a fairly obscure but ancient hymn that beautifully reflects the themes of advent as well as reinforcing the tenants of the Apostles Creed, the humility of Christ (Phil 2), His Intercession, and the gloried anticipation of his expected return.

Savior of the Nations, Come is an ancient hymn written by Ambrose (4th cent.)  Ambrose is a well known Latin Father, preacher and mentor of Augustine.   As early as 372ad Augustine attributes this hymn to the hand of Ambrose, originally composed in Latin as “Veni, Redemptor gentium.”  Martin Luther picks up this text in 1523 and as part of his reformation translates it into German for his congregations.  It is today probably one of the most beloved german advent hymns. It was first translated into English by William Reynolds in 1851.  This translation comes from Calvin Seerveld who prepared it for the Psalter Hymnal (1984).
You can also find more information on the hymn at Bruce's blog also contains some wonderful readings and hymns that he has adapted that serve as helpful guides for our journey through Advent. You can also find more information on "Savior of the Nations, Come" at The Hymnary. Be sure to check both out. 

Call to Worship 

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Words: Charles Wesley
Hymns for the Nativity of Our Lord

(London: William Strahan, 1745), number 10.
Music: Hyfrydol, Rowland H. Prichard (1830)
Alternate tune: Traditional Welsh Melody
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”


Coming Glory: Candle Lighting
Isaiah 46:2 

Joyous Light
Words by unknown author (late 3rd -early century 4th century)
Translated by John Keble (1834)
Alt. arrangement and additional chorus by Chris Tomlin,
David Crowder and Louie Giglio (2004)
Recording by Chris Tomlin 


O Come, Let Us Adore Him
Words: St. 1 attr. J.F. Wade, 1751; tr. F. Oakeley (1841)

sts. 2-4 anonymous,
Music: John F. Wades' Cantus Diversi (1751)
 

Coming Glory: Prayer Litany
Psalm 96:1-3, Luke 24:25-27, 30-32, II Corinthians 4:6, 
Daniel 7:13-14, Revelation 7:11-12

Come, Lord Jesus (An Advent Song)
By Diane Thiel
Recording by Diane Thiel (Vineyard Music)
From the album “Is God Listening?”
 

Coming Glory: The Advent of Jesus Christ, Part 3 
Luke 1:57-2:7 

Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Words: Liturgy of St. James (5th century),
Adapted by Gerard Moultrie (1864)
Music: PICARDY 8.7.8.7.8.7. French melody (17th century).
Arr. by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1906).
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”
 

Message:The Courage of Joseph
Shay Roush | Matthew 1:18-25

O Come, O Come Emmanuel
LM 88 88 (Veni Emmanuel), Words: Latin, 12th Cent; tr. composite
Tune: "Processionale:, 15th cent. ; adpt. Thomas Helmore, 1854
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”


Savior of the Nations, Come
Words: Ambrose (4th Century), Martin Luther (1523),
Traditional: Calvin Seerveld (1984)
Music: Enchiridia, Erfurt (1524),

Arrangement: Bruce Benedict (2009)
Recording by Bruce Benedict 


Joy to the World
Words: Isaac Watts (1719) (based on Psalm 98)
Music: ANTIOCH C.M.rep. George Frederick Handel (1742)
Arr. Lowell Mason (1836)
Recording by Red Mountain Church
From the album “Silent Night”
 

Musicians for 13 December 2009:
Vocals: Mark Collum
Bass: Nick Havens
Acoustic Guitar, Piano and Vocals: Scott Johnson

Percussion: Andrew Luley
Organ and Piano: Kerry Maggard
Reader: Claire Novak 
Cello: Josie Patton
Vocals: Kristen Pierce
Violin: Alison Tatum
Viola: Jake Wandel