January 7, 2024

The prelude is a set of variations on the hymn "Puer Nobis" (What star is this, with beams so bright), which also is our final hymn (124).  This is a well known tune by Michael Praetorius, dating all the way back to the 16th-17th centuries.  The variations are by the contemporary American, Michael Burkhardt, of whom I have written before.

Our processional hymn is the beloved "As with gladness men of old did the guiding star behold" (119, tune name of "Dix").  The tune and harmonization -- and words -- are 19th century.

Our Gospel hymn is another Epiphany favorite-- "Brightest and best of the stars of the morning", 117.  We will sing verses 1-3.

During the offertory the congregation will hopefully join us for the first and last verses -- and all refrains -- of "We three kings", hymn 128.  Though we have some choristers absent due to illness, we should still have soloists singing verses 2-4; again, the congregation should enjoy singing all refrains with us.  

During communion we will sing hymns 113 and 329.  Do check them out, and, even if you are not comfortable singing, do follow the texts!

As I noted earlier, the closing hymn is 124.

A traditional American melody, known as "Hiding Place", a hymn entitled "O Jesus, King Most Wonderful", is the basis for the postlude, a setting by the prolific Dale Woods, American, most of whose work was written in the 20th century.

Come and enjoy this church season as much as Christmas!