December 8, 2024

The hymn "People, Look East" is the basis for the organ prelude; it is a setting by Robert Hobby (American, b. 1985), whose music I play quite often.  The hymn, not in our hymnal, is based on a poem by Eleanor Farjeon, and of course refers to looking in the direction of the rising sun, which signifies Christ's coming. Years ago we performed a cantata based on the hymn.  

Processing, we will sing the well known 17th century hymn, "On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh", 76.  For the Gospel hymn we jump ahead to the 20th century hymn, "There's a voice in the wilderness crying" (75), a very beautiful hymn.

The anthem is one we sing most years (but not last), "Prepare the Way of the Lord". This must be one of William Rowan's most popular works, though he has written many hymns, anthems, and organ works.  Born in 1951 in CA, he heads the music ministry at the RC Cathedral in Lansing, MI.

Hopefully we can sing 2 Advent hymns during communion-- both 67 and 54, "Comfort, comfort ye my people", and "Savior of the nations, come"; I would hate to go through Advent without singing either!

Closing, and in procession, we will sing "Rejoice! rejoice believers, and let your lights appear", 68, a great 19th century hymn everyone knows.

The postlude is a Wilbur Held (American, 1914-2015!) setting of hymn 65, "Prepare the way, O Zion".  Notice in the hymnal notes how old this catchy tune is!