Songs for the Season of Epiphany
Squeezebox is a place for our Song Leaders, as well as congregants, to learn the songs we sing at St. Lydia’s.
Epiphany is a season that gives us a little time to bask in the glow of Christmas before Lent sets in. It means “to reveal,” and focuses on all the way God is revealed to us through Christ. It’s usually associated with light. This season we’ll be singing some songs that reflect the darkness of the winter, but also bring a bit of light in to shine in that darkness.
The season takes us through about eight weeks this year, so we’ll sing one set of songs for the first half of the season, then switch to a new set for the second.
January 2-February 3
Gathering Song
“Arise, Shine,” by Ruth Cunningham. A lively, two-part setting of Isaiah 60:1, a text commonly associated with Epiphany.
Lamp Lighting Song
“The Light of Christ Has Come into the World,” by Donald Fishel. It’s a sweet piece with two parts, one to teach to the congregation, and then one you can sing yourself over the top. Note that the second part is not a pure echo of the first, but changes a little at the end!
Table Acclamation
During Epiphany, we’ll use the Ordinary Time Table Acclamation.
Prayer Song
Song Leader’s choice! A selection of prayer songs may be found here.
Final Hymn
We’ll sing “Songs of Thankfulness and Praise!” Sheet music is here!
February 9-March 3
Gathering Song
“Come All, Draw Near and Eat,” by Mark Howe. This is a very difficult piece. It’s a great challenge for those who feel they’d like to take one one. But if not, feel free to stick with “Arise, Shine,” above. Here is a recording, and sheet music is found here.
Lamp Lighting Song
We’ll sing a new piece entitled “God Give me Light in My Heart,” adapted from a song of the same title by Anne Krentz Organ. It’s a simple melody — teach it and let folks harmonize. Here’s the recording.
Table Acclamation
During Epiphany, we’ll use the Ordinary Time Table Acclamation.
Prayer Song
Song Leader’s choice! A selection of prayer songs may be found here.
Final Hymn
We’ll sing an old traditional shapenote piece called “All Who Hunger, Gather Gladly.” You can listen to a recording with all the part here — and let me tell you, they’re trickier than they look! The sheet music is here.