Marlyn Jensen I carefully and intentionally plan music for this season. Did you know it lasts into February?
ADVENT: the four Sundays before Christmas are a time of preparation. So I choose music for my students and church that are rooted in (strong emphasis here) preparation.
- O Come, O Come Emmanuel
- Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
- Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming (see my contemporary variations in WINTER arrangements)
- Joy to the World
- Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
- Contemporary “Emmanuel” by Amy Grant
- Comfort, Comfort Ye My People (look for tune FREU DICK SEHR)
- Lift Up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates!
- From the Messiah, numbers 1-11 (look for Messiah piano solo books by Todd Lowry or Myra Schubert)
CHRISTMAS: We might think of it as one day, but it is really 12.
Have you ever been around a newborn baby? Do family and friends rejoice for just one day? The excitement over the new arrival can last weeks, even months. Be brave! Move into a season of celebration, playing Christmas songs at least for 12 days. Now is the time “For Unto Us a Child is Born.”
EPIPHANY: think of the wise men and the visitations that happened after the birth.
I play star carols and songs with a light theme through January, as well as songs that expand on the symbols of Christmas and the full story: Holly & Ivy, Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, There’s a Song in the Air, O Sing a Song of Bethlehem. Also consider the Messiah #1-21.
TRANSITION INTO LENT: Epiphany lasts until Lent, which typically starts in February.
Since this is the month of Valentine’s Day, I end carol-playing with carols that show God’s love for us. These carols provide a nice transition into love-themed hymns for February:
- Of the Father’s Love Begotten
- Love Came Down at Christmas
- Thou Who Wast Rich Beyond All Splendor