The African American Lectionary

Worship Resources

CHRISTMAS

MUSIC & WORSHIP RESOURCES

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Michelle Riley Jones, Lectionary Team Liturgist

Worship Planning Notes

The key scripture for this year for Christmas is John 1:1-14, and it focuses on John’s preparing the way for the coming of the Savior. In worship planning, we sometimes struggle with this [preparation] because we want to get right to creating the big Christmas “event.”

Dr. Valerie Bridgeman Davis gave this perspective in The Africana Worship Book Year C:

John Won’t Be in the Christmas Pageant

Just when we think we’ve gotten it right, just when we’re patting ourselves on the back, some weird prophet dressed in strange clothes challenges us. He doesn’t fit our Christmas of Santa Clause and mistletoe, of Christmas carols and baby Jesus. This prophet ruins the mood with words like “viper” and “wrath to come.” He wants to cut his own trees and call us to repentance. Isn’t that Lent? This is Christmas; we don’t want John ruining our mood. That’s why he won’t be in the Christmas pageant with our runny-nosed shepherds, our plastic-doll Jesus, or our crooked-winged angels. He’s too loud, too insistent, with way too many demands. Just when we’re patting ourselves on the back, John makes us squirm, and we find ourselves asking, under our breath, “What then should we do?” Maybe, though, John should be in the pageant; after all, what he said really was good news.

So instead of the goal being an expensive and ostentatious Christmas program, how can we prepare our families, our congregation, our communities for the birth of Christ? We can only experience the joy of Christmas, and help others experience this joy too, when we have personally met Jesus Christ. This season, to prepare yourselves and others for the Lord’s coming, consider these ideas:

1. The setting of the story of Christ’s birth, as told in Matthew, can be told through the preparation spoken of in John. Incorporate these basic “preparation” principles in your planning for worship:

Prepare yourselves and others to receive Christ by building on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Matthew 2:1-2 reads, “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews?” As musicians and worship planners, we may be wise in the teaching, playing, and singing of music, and leading of worship. John 1:4 admonishes us that “In him was life, and that life was the light of all humanity.”
Prepare yourselves and others to receive Christ by believing in the truths of Jesus. The wise men said “We have seen his star” (Matthew 2:1). The star which the Lord will use to lead men to Jesus must be Christ’s own star—not ours. The faithful music minister, like this star, belongs to Christ. Before we can expect to be made a blessing, we must ourselves be blessed of the Lord. If we would cause others to belong to Jesus, we must belong wholly to Jesus ourselves. God will not lead men to Christ through us unless we are Christ’s heartily, wholly, and unreservedly. John 1:9 says, “A TRUE LIGHT that gives light to everyone was coming into the world.” May people never dwell upon our gifts and talents, but may they always observe this one thing, that we are men/women of God, that we are ambassadors of Christ, that we are Christ’s servants.
Prepare yourselves and others to receive Christ by bearing testimony of Jesus Christ. Only when we know what we believe can we share it well. The star in the east led wise men to Christ because the star pointed in that direction. In Matthew’s account, the wise men, upon seeing and following the star, said, “we have come to worship him.” John 1:8 tells us: “He himself was not the light, he came only as a witness to the light.” John 1:23 expounds further: “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’” People are drawn by example more than they are driven by exhortation. It is a small thing to shine, but it is a great thing to draw.

2. Involve youth by designing an evening for a “Progressive Nativity.” Your community outreach team could identify neighborhood families and assign each youth and his or her family to visit one family in the community to share with them the Christmas story. The roster of visitation can also include nursing homes, senior homes, hospitals, shelters, etc. (with appropriate permissions). To make it fun, the children can dress in historic costume. Maybe their costume could designate the perspective from which they tell the story. The parents, or other designees, could work with the children on their stories in advance, or select an age-appropriate book from which the children can read the Christmas story to others. The progressive nativity could be structured as follows:

a. In the weeks leading up to the outreach, youth should read the Christmas story to prepare. Adults may help them select areas of the story that they can emphasize. As they read and ask questions, they gain a greater understanding and appreciation for Christ’s birth. The youth and his or her family are then assigned a home or other place to visit. Permission is then obtained for the visits.
b. On the scheduled date, youth meet at the church (1^st stop) for light dinner and to pick up the materials they will share at each place.
c. Visit the assigned home to share the Christmas story (2^nd stop) and leave witnessing materials. This could be a total of no more than 15–20 minutes.
d. In the same neighborhood, or the adjoining neighborhood, sing a few carols on a street corner (3^rd stop). (This may be done prior to the home visit if desired.)
e. Return to the church for snacks and a discussion (4^th stop).

3. Use social media to share a devotional thought each day from Advent leading up to Christmas. One source is http://www.d365.org/todaysdevotion/FTS2009.html?CFID=1148148&CFTOKEN=54470697 which has a daily online devotional series, “Following the Star,” beginning with the Advent season through Epiphany, which features scripture, prayers, and meditative thoughts, accompanied by music. This can be linked to your church’s web page and shared in your daily Facebook and Twitter messages. An e-newsletter can also be great avenue for sharing the devotionals. You can also seek out other sources or write your own material.

1. Call to Worship, Litany, or Congregational Reading

Call to Worship
(a) Joy! By Sherie Dobbs Johnson

Joy!

One:	We are here because we are tempted with joy. Sometimes our joy is elusive or short-lived, but we desire a joy that is not limited by our current reality, but birthed by our God who made heaven and earth. We hunger for the joy of the Lord. What great joy God has given us through the coming of the Christ Child!
Many:	Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
One:	It was God’s great joy not to leave us to the devices of our mind and the limits of our humanity. God expanded our possibilities by sending us Jesus to let us glimpse the ways of God, limitless in love, wisdom, and power. Through Jesus, we once again, have a direct connection to our Creator.
Many:	Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
One:	We come this day seeking God’s divine message that will deliver us from sadness, fear, and anger.
Many:	When we hear God’s message and act accordingly, the joy of the Lord will come into our world.

Music for The Call to Worship
(b) Holy Are You Lord. By Gary D. Hines and Andrea Tribitt

(c) Worship Christ, the Newborn King. By Lloyd Larsen. This selection is a rousing Christmas medley for SATB choir, organ, and optional brass and timpani.

(d) The Promise. By Michael W. Smith. Arr. by Bradley Knight. This beautiful song can be used as a sung call to worship and then reprised at benediction. “We’re singing Hallelujah! Emmanuel, our God is with us.”

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) What Child Is This? By William C. Dix. Tune, (GREENSLEEVES), by John Stainer

(b) Joy to the World. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (ANTIOCH), by George F. Handel and Lowell Mason

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Behold the Star. Spiritual

(b) Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child. Traditional

(d) Children, Go Where I Send Thee. Traditional

(e) Amen. Traditional Spiritual

(f) Roun’ De Glory Manger. Traditional Spiritual. Arr. by Willis Laurence James. A capella

(g) Ring De Christmas Bells. Spiritual. By Jester Hairston. Arr. by William Ryden

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs or Praise Teams
(a) Tell Me a Story. By John P. Kee

(b) Call Him Jesus. By Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, and W. Campbell

(d) Come Let Us Adore Him. Text and Tune, (ADESTE FIDELES), by John F. Wade

(e) Jesus, the Light of the World. Text and Tune, (WALK IN THE LIGHT), by George D. Elderkin

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Still the Lamb. By Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, and Warren Campbell. This selection is a great piece to combine liturgical dance with spoken word.

(b) Mary Did You Know? By Buddy Green and Mark Lowry

(d) Away in a Manger. By John McFarland. Tune, (MUELLER), by James R. Murray

6. Anthems
(a) No One Had Seen. Arr. by Bradley Knight

(b) Baloo Lammy. By Don Gillespie. For SATB
Audio Sample: http://www.beckenhorstpress.com/audio/1373.mp3

(c) Come to Where Shepherds Kneel. By David Lantz III. For SATB
Audio Sample: http://www.beckenhorstpress.com/audio/1790.mp3

(d) Good News, the Savior is Born! By Glenn Jones

(e) Worship Christ, the Newborn King. By Lloyd Larsen. This selection is a rousing Christmas medley for SATB choir, organ, and optional brass and timpani.

7. Modern Songs
(a) O Come. By Luther “Mano” Hanes and Israel Houghton

(b) Alleluia. By Randall Thompson

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Silent Night. By Joseph Mohr. Tune, (STILLE NACHT), by Franz Gruber

(b) Love from a Star. By John Stoddart

(d) Alleluia Alleluia (Peace on Earth). By Tim Hayden and Patrice Villines

(e) Celebration. By Asaph A. Ward

9. Songs for Children
(a) He Came Down. Cameroon Traditional

(b) The Gift Goes On. By Sandi Patty. This selection is a good song to combine your adult and children’s choir.

(d) Silent Night. By John F. Young. Tune, (STILLE NACHT), by Franz X. Gruber

(e) Happy Birthday Jesus. By Carol Cymbala

(f) Into My Heart. By Harry D. Clark

(g) I’ll Give Him My Heart (What Can I Give Him?). By Carol Cymbala, Emelyne Francois, and Christina Rossetti

(h) ‘Twas on a Night (A Children’s Christmas Hymn). By Analise Stoddart. This Christmas hymn was composed in 2010 (lyrics and tune) by a then-8-year-old child.

(i) Child of God (The Little Cradle Rocks Tonight in Glory). Spiritual from Georgia
Audio Sample: http://www.christmas-songs.org/midis/the_little_cradle_rocks_tonight_in_glory.mid

10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Holy. By Donald Lawrence

(b) Bow Dow and Worship Him. By David Baroni and Tony Sutherland

11. Sermonic Selection
(a) His Love Is All I See. By Carol Cymbala and Jason Michael Webb

(b) O Holy Night. By John S. Dwight. Tune, (CANTIQUE DE NOEL), by Adolphe Adam

12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Is There Any Room in Your Heart for Jesus? By Wyatt Tee Walker

(b) God Speaking. By Ronnie Freeman

(d) We Are Christmas. By Kevin Johnson and Sarah Stephens

13. Benediction/Sending Song or Instrumental
(a) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (MENDELSSOHN), by Felix Mendelssohn. The video features a wonderful transposition of this hymn from Introit to Sending Song.

(b) The Promise. By Michael W. Smith. Arr. by Bradley Knight. This beautiful song can be used as a sung call to worship and then reprised at benediction. “We’re singing Hallelujah! Emmanuel, our God is with us.”

(d) Go Tell It on the Mountain. Spiritual

(e) Rise Up Shepherd and Follow. Spiritual

Cites and Additional Information for Music and Material Listed

Worship Planning Notes

John Won’t Be in the Christmas Pageant. By Valerie Bridgeman Davis
Location:
Bridgeman Davis, Valerie and Safiyah Fosua, eds. The Africana Worship Book: Year C. Nashville, TN: GBOD Discipleship Resources, 2008, p. 26.

Ideas based on sermon “Preparing for Christ’s Coming,” accessed at http://www.c-we.com/adelumc/071216.htm, and sermon “The Star and the Wise Men,” accessed at http://www.spurgeon.org/sermons/1698.htm on 29 March 2012.

1. Call to Worship, Litany, or Congregational Reading

Call to Worship
(a) Joy! By Sherie Dobbs Johnson
Location:

Bridgeman Davis, Valerie and Safiyah Fosua, eds. The Africana Worship Book: Year C. Nashville, TN: GBOD Discipleship Resources, 2008, p. 60.

Music for The Call to Worship
(b) Holy Are You Lord. By Gary D. Hines and Andrea Tribitt
Location:

Sounds of Blackness. The Night Before Christmas 2. Minneapolis, MN: Sounds of Blackness Records/Atomic K Records, 2004.

(c) Worship Christ, the Newborn King. By Lloyd Larsen. This selection is a rousing Christmas medley for SATB choir, organ, and optional brass and timpani.
Location:

Beckenhorst Press
960 Old Henderson Road
Columbus, OH 43220
Phone: 614-451-6461

Online location: www.beckenhorstpress.com

The Prestonwood Choir. Gloria! Plano, TX: Prestonwood Worship, 2010.

2. Hymns and Congregational Songs
(a) What Child Is This? By William C. Dix. Tune, (GREENSLEEVES), by John Stainer
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 2001. #220

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. Nashville, TN: A.M.E. Zion Publishing House, 1996. #105

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. Chicago, IL: GIA Publications, 1987. #29

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. Nashville, TN: Triad Publications, 2005. #86

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. Hagerstown, MD: Review and Herald Publishing Association. 1985. #141

Church of God in Christ. Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. Memphis, TN: Church of God in Christ Pub. Board in association with the Benson Co., 1982. #206

(b) Joy to the World. By Isaac Watts. Tune, (ANTIOCH), by George F. Handel and Lowell Mason
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #197

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #120

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #19

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #94

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #125

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #210

African American Heritage Hymnal. #211

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #93

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #26

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #101

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #143

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #217

3. Spirituals or Traditional Songs
(a) Behold the Star. Spiritual
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #216

(b) Jesus, Oh What a Wonderful Child. Traditional
Location:

LaBelle, Patti. Miss Patti’s Christmas. Santa Monica, CA: Island Def Jam Music Group, 2007.

Porter, Cheryl. Christmas. Italy: Azzurra Music, 2004.

(d) Children, Go Where I Send Thee. Traditional
Location:

Ledisi. It’s Christmas. Santa Monica, CA: The Verve Music Group, 2008.

African American Heritage Hymnal. #623

(e) Amen. Traditional Spiritual
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #649

(f) Roun’ De Glory Manger. Traditional Spiritual. Arr. by Willis Laurence James. A capella
Location:

Published by G. Schirmer
Distributed by Sheet Music Plus
1300 64th Street
Emeryville, CA 94608
Phone: 1-800-743-3868

Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com

(g) Ring De Christmas Bells. Spiritual. By Jester Hairston. Arr. by William Ryden
Location:

Christmas Spirituals of Jester Hairston (Collection)
Published by Bourne Co.
Distributed by Sheet Music Plus
Phone: 1-800-743-3868
Online location: www.sheetmusicplus.com

4. Gospel Songs for Choirs or Praise Teams
(a) Tell Me a Story. By John P. Kee
Location:

Kee, John P. & The New Life Community Choir. A Special Christmas Gift. New York, NY: Zomba Recording, 1996.

(b) Call Him Jesus. By Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, and W. Campbell
Location:

Mary Mary. Mary Mary Christmas. New York, NY: SONY BMG Music Entertainment, 2006.

The Prestonwood Choir. Gloria! Plano, TX: Prestonwood Worship, 2010.

(d) Come Let Us Adore Him. Text and Tune, (ADESTE FIDELES), by John F. Wade
Location:

Various Artists/The Charles Westmoreland Chorale. Gospel Christmas. Los Angeles, CA: Master Classics Records, 2008.

(e) Jesus, the Light of the World. Text and Tune, (WALK IN THE LIGHT), by George D. Elderkin
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #217

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #111

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #81

5. Liturgical Dance Music
(a) Still the Lamb. By Erica Campbell, Tina Campbell, and Warren Campbell. This selection is a great piece to combine liturgical dance with spoken word.
Location:

Mary Mary. Mary Mary Christmas. New York, NY: Sony BMG Music, 2006.

(b) Mary Did You Know? By Buddy Green and Mark Lowry
Location:

Armstrong, Vanessa/Various Artists. WOW Gospel Christmas. New York, NY:EMI Gospel, 2007.

Caesar, Shirley. WOW Gospel Christmas. New York, NY: EMI Gospel, 2010.

(d) Away in a Manger. By John McFarland. Tune, (MUELLER), by James R. Murray
Location:

Various Artists/T. D. Jakes & Angie Winans. WOW Gospel Christmas. New York, NY: EMI Christian Music Group, 2010.

6. Anthems
(a) No One Had Seen. Arr. by Bradley Knight
Location:

The Prestonwood Choir. Gloria! Plano, TX: Prestonwood Worship, 2010.

(b) Baloo Lammy. By Don Gillespie. For SATB
Location:

Beckenhorst Press
Phone: 614-451-6461
Online location: www.beckenhorstpress.com

(d) Good News, the Savior is Born! By Glenn Jones
Location:

GIA Publications, Inc.
7404 South Mason Avenue
Chicago, IL 60638
Phone: 1-800-GIA-1358

Online location: www.giamusic.com
Product: #G-5804

(e) Worship Christ, the Newborn King. By Lloyd Larsen. This selection is a rousing Christmas medley for SATB choir, organ, and optional brass and timpani.
Location:

Beckenhorst Press
Phone: 614-451-6461
Online location: www.beckenhorstpress.com

7. Modern Songs
(a) O Come. By Luther “Mano” Hanes and Israel Houghton
Location:

Houghton, Israel. A Timeless Christmas. New York, NY: Integrity Media, 2009.

(b) Alleluia. By Randall Thompson
Location:

Take 6. One. Newton, NY: Shananchie Entertainment, 2012.

The Pace Family. Celebrating the Heart of Christmas. Indianapolis, IN: Tyscot Records, 2007.

8. Offertory Song or Instrumental
(a) Silent Night. By Joseph Mohr. Tune, (STILLE NACHT), by Franz Gruber
Location:

Naturally 7. Christmas . . . It’s a Love Story. Los Angeles, CA: Hidden Beach Records, 2012.

(b) Love From a Star. By John Stoddart
Location:

Whalum, Kirk. The Christmas Message. New York, NY: Warner Strategic Marketing, 2001/2005.

A Not So Silent Night. Laurel, MD: Urban Junction East, 1997.

(d) Alleluia Alleluia (Peace on Earth). By Tim Hayden and Patrice Villines
Location:

Adams, Oleta. Christmas Time with Oleta. New York, NY: KOCH Records, 2006.

(e) Celebration. By Asaph A. Ward
Location:

The Clark Sisters. Family Christmas. Detroit, MI: Karew Records, 1990/2009.

9. Songs for Children
(a) He Came Down. Cameroon Traditional
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #200

(b) The Gift Goes On. By Sandi Patty. This selection is a good song to combine your adult and children’s choir.
Location:

The Faith Crew. Christian Christmas Classics Vol. 2. Edison, NJ: Drews Entertainment, 2011.

African American Heritage Hymnal. #623

(d) Silent Night. By John F. Young. Tune, (STILLE NACHT), by Franz X. Gruber
Location:

Porter, Cheryl & the Italian Children’s Chorus. A Christmas Wish. Italy: Azzurra Music, 2006.

(e) Happy Birthday Jesus. By Carol Cymbala
Location:

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Hallelujah! The Very Best of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. New York, NY: Atlantic Records, 2000.

(f) Into My Heart. By Harry D. Clark
Location:

Rettino, Ernie. Psalty’s Funtastic Praise Party! New York, NY: Word Distribution, 1993.

(g) I’ll Give Him My Heart (What Can I Give Him?). By Carol Cymbala, Emelyne Francois, and Christina Rossetti
Location:

The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Light of the World. Nashville, TN: M2.0 Communications, 2001.

(h) ‘Twas on a Night (A Children’s Christmas Hymn). By Analise Stoddart. This Christmas hymn was composed in 2010 (lyrics and tune) by a then-8-year-old child.
Location:

Urban Junction East Music
Hampton Roads, AL
Phone: 256-533-4660
Sheet Music available

(i) Child of God (The Little Cradle Rocks Tonight in Glory). Spiritual from Georgia
Location:

Published by Alfred Music Publishing
Distributed by J. W. Pepper & Sons Incorporated
2480 Industrial Boulevard
Paoli, PA 19301
Phone: 1-800-345-6296

Online location: www.jwpepper.com

10. Song or Instrumental for the Period of Prayer
(a) Holy. By Donald Lawrence
Location:

Coko. A Coko Christmas-EP. Nashville, TN: Light Records, 2008.

(b) Bow Dow and Worship Him. By David Baroni and Tony Sutherland
Location:

Morton, Bishop Paul S. Still Standing. Nashville, TN: Light Records, 2009.

Various Artists/Yolanda Adams. The Very Best of Praise & Worship. New York, NY: Verity, 2006.

11. Sermonic Selection
(a) His Love Is All I See. By Carol Cymbala and Jason Michael Webb
Location:

Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir. Christmas. New York, NY: Brooklyn Tabernacle Church, 2010.

(b) O Holy Night. By John S. Dwight. Tune, (CANTIQUE DE NOEL), by Adolphe Adam
Location:

Various Artists/Smokie Norful. WOW Gospel Christmas. New York, NY: EMI Christian Music Group, 2010.

Winans, BeBe and CeCe. WOW Gospel Christmas. New York, NY: EMI
Christian Music Group, 2010.

12. Invitational Song or Instrumental
(a) Is There Any Room in Your Heart for Jesus? By Wyatt Tee Walker
Location:

African American Heritage Hymnal. #353

(b) God Speaking. By Ronnie Freeman
Location:

Mandisa. WOW Gospel Christmas. New York, NY: EMI Gospel, 2007.

Adams, Yolanda. What a Wonderful Time. New York, NY: SONY BMG Music Entertainment, 2007.

(d) We Are Christmas. By Kevin Johnson and Sarah Stephens
Location:

Lion and Lamb Publishing
350 Spelman Lane SW, Box 312
Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: 404-270-5480

13. Benediction/Sending Song or Instrumental
(a) Hark! The Herald Angels Sing. By Charles Wesley. Tune, (MENDELSSOHN), by Felix Mendelssohn
Location:

Take 6. He Is Christmas. New York, NY: Reprise Records/WEA International, 1991.

African American Heritage Hymnal. #214

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Bicentennial Hymnal. #85

Lead Me, Guide Me: The African American Catholic Hymnal. #13

The New National Baptist Hymnal 21st Century Edition. #95

The Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. #122

Yes, Lord! Church of God in Christ Hymnal. #208

The Prestonwood Choir. Gloria! Plano, TX: Prestonwood Worship, 2010.

Various Artists/The McClurkin Project. WOW Gospel Christmas. New York, NY: EMI Gospel, 2010.

(d) Go Tell It on the Mountain. Spiritual
Location:

Morton, Paul. Paul Morton’s Christmas. Nashville, TN: Light Records, 2007.

(e) Rise Up Shepherd and Follow. Spiritual
Location:

Whalum, Kirk. The Christmas Message. New York, NY: Warner Strategic Marketing, 2001/2005.