At this time of year many people are preparing for the joyous celebration of Christmas.

Children are excited as they see the presents under the tree.

When Mary Hugged Her Newborn Son

TALLIS’ CANON LM (“All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night” PH#542)

When Mary hugged her newborn son,

She pondered all that God had done.

Could she know all her child would be--

The life he’d bring humanity?

"There's Not a Thing That God Can't Do!"
WINCHESTER OLD CM (“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks”)

"There's not a thing that God can't do!"
The angel said. "Not one!
For Mary, God has favored you
And you will bear God's Son."

John Came Preaching, Bearing Witness
REGENT SQUARE 8.7.8.7.8.7 (“Angels, from the Realms of Glory”)

John came preaching, bearing witness,
Pointing to God's only Son.
He proclaimed the truth with boldness:
"Now believe! God's light has come!"
Yet he would not be the focus;
He proclaimed a greater One.

O God, We Hear Your Word of Grace
CAROL CMD (“It Came Upon the Midnight Clear”)

O God, we hear your word of grace;
The Psalmist tells us this:
That love and faith will soon embrace
And peace and justice kiss.

Open Wide Your Heavens!

CRANHAM Irregular (“In the Bleak Midwinter”)

Open wide your heavens! Let your name be known!

So the world will know, Lord, we are not alone.

ENHANCE ADVENT WORSHIP

These are new advent hymns sung to familiar Christmas tunes commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook and written by Presbyterian hymn-writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.  For those not following the lectionary Carolyn has suggested previous year hymns that would fit well with the themes for each of the Sundays of Advent. A bonus to all – enjoy a Christmas hymn – free! Merry Christmas!

ENHANCE ADVENT WORSHIP

These are new advent hymns sung to familiar Christmas tunes commissioned by The Presbyterian Outlook and written by Presbyterian hymn-writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette.  For those not following the lectionary Carolyn has suggested previous year hymns that would fit well with the themes for each of the Sundays of Advent. A bonus to all – enjoy a Christmas hymn – free! Merry Christmas!

Visit our Advent Resources page view Carolyn's new hymns

MONTREAT, N.C. – Visions of sugar plums dancing in children’s heads during this Christmas season calls to mind a memorable evening at Montreat some years ago.