Advent to Christmas
This popular advent carol dates back to the eighth century and originates in the “O antiphons” performed at vespers Dec 17-23.
What is “O come, o come, Emmanuel?”
Composed by an unknown author likely in the 14th century, this Easter carol is surely the “O come, all ye faithful” for Christ’s resurrection.
What is “Jesus Christ is risen today?”
Thought to be the first “modern American Christmas Carol,” this popular tune is more accurately categorized under Epiphany in the Hymnal 1982 and deals with wise men seeking a star.
What is “We three kings of orient are?”
Written by Methodist Charles Wesley, this hymn describes vast numbers of people praising God using a very specific body part required for proper diction and enunciation.
What is “O for a thousand tongues to sing?”
This Quaker (or more likely Shaker) tune was used by Aaron Copeland in his Appalachian Spring and features words not at all complex.
What is “Tis a Gift to be simple?”
The text of this hymn, based on one cherished by Navy, features words that deal with all forms of transportation, or all branches of the military.
What is “Almighty Father, strong to save?”
Originating in 1818 because a parish organ had malfunctioned on December 24, this popular Christmas carol was thought to have been sung nearly 100 years later by soldiers between battles.
What is “Silent night?”
Sung at many churches in procession on Palm Sunday, this German chorale has a whopping 38 verses, though only 5 are included in the Hymnal 1982.
What is “All glory, laud and honor?”
Appearing three times in the Hymnal 1982 due to its dozens of verses, this hymn can be found under Easter, Ascension and Pentecost and is set to Ralph Vaughan Williams’ tune: Salve Festa Dies.
What is “Hail thee, festival day?”
Sung at the request of Queen Elizabeth the II for her wedding processional in 1947, this hymn is now the gold standard for any ceremonial liturgy, from the ordination or installation of a priest to the consecration of a bishop.
What is “Praise, my soul, the King of Heaven?”
Considered by many organists to be the marathon of all hymns, this is sung on Trinity Sunday by many congregations and has strong ties to the Irish patron saint.
What is “I bind unto myself?” or “St Patrick’s Breastplate?”
Perhaps one of the most popular Welsh hymns ever written in a Major Key, this tune frames a text about being led through troubled times and have been translated into over 75 different languages.
What is “Guide me, O thou great Jehovah?”
This African American spiritual became a popular Christmas carol, perhaps because of its memorable tune, which causes the singer to “fear and tremble.”
What is “Go! Tell it on the mountain?”
This much-loved spiritual, most often sung on Good Friday, was the first piece of African American hymnody included in an Episcopal Hymnal, first appearing in the Hymnal 1940.
What is “Were you there?”
Sharing a tune with “All creatures of our God and King,” this hymn brings to life imagery from the Eastern Church (Orthodox) of angels and saints worshipping at the throne of God.
What is “Ye watchers and ye holy ones?”
This contemporary American hymn is an example of a Houstonian composer writing both text and tune. The text, rich in biblically based images of light, is often associated with children inviting Jesus into their hearts.
What is “I want to walk as a child of the light?”
A Lutheran theology professor penned the words to this “academic” hymn in which even inanimate objects can sing praises to God. . . such as “loud, boiling test tubes.”
What is “Earth and all stars?”
This “flagship hymn” for the Order of the Daughters of the King is truly most effective when sung to the actions of a crucifer.
What is “Lift high the cross?”
Made popular by the famous Lessons and Carols of King’s College, this Christmas Carol was written to teach children about the Apostle’s Creed.
What is “Once in Royal-David’s city?”
Considered by many to be the quintessential hymn for Holy Week, this German chorale was used by Bach repeatedly throughout his St. Matthew Passion.
What is “O sacred head, now wounded?”
This 18th century German harvest/thanksgiving hymn was written for children and brings to mind, through music, the work of a farmer planting seeds while thanking the Lord for all that is good.
What is “We plow the fields and scatter?”
Featuring a text authored by Anglican priest George Herbert in the 17th century that deals with Christ as monarch, this hymn features a tune composed in 1976 to honor the composer’s alma mater, “General Theological Seminary.”
What is “King of glory, king of peace?”
This hymn is a paraphrase of Mary’s Magnificat, where she expresses utmost joy for God’s redeeming love and her devotion to care for Jesus.
What is “Tell out my soul?”
Set to an Irish folk tune, this “top 40” hymn, dealing with spiritual “sight,” has been in constant use across every denomination since perhaps around AD 700.
What is “Be thou my vision?”
Featuring an old Rhineland tune, this floral-themed carol brings to mind prophesy as “foretold by the root of Jesse.”
What is “Lo, how a rose e’er blooming?”
The original text of this hymn, which makes clear how long Lent lasts, was described as “impossible for public worship” by the critics when first published in 1637.
What is “Forty days and forty nights”
Written in 1991, this modern hymn uses an old American folk tune to convey that those who are hungry can feast on the holy manna of heaven.
What is “All who hunger gather gladly?”
This chant-based hymn originates in the 9th century and is sung by many congregations on Pentecost or whenever there is a baptism.
What is “Come, Holy Ghost, our souls inspire?”
Penned by Calvin Hampton in 1970, the tune de Tar was named for Hampton’s close friend and colleague, Dr. Vernon de Tar, who was known to champion new liturgical music. It is used for these two texts in the Hymnal 1982.
What is “O love of God, how strong and true” or “O Master, let me walk with thee?”
Popular for Evensong or any worship at the end of the day, this hymn’s text is of unknown origin and music was written by a priest named Rev. Clement Scholefield at a time of close collaboration with Arthur Sullivan.
What is “The day thou gavest, Lord, is ended?”