Advent Candles Tell their Story

This hymn has a verse for each of the four weeks of Advent.  It was created as a children's hymn but can be used in all-ages services.

The words were written by English Anglican priest, author and lecturer, Mark Earey (b. 1965). 

With meter 8.5.8.5.8.7, it is set to the tune ANGEL VOICES (Monk) composed by Edwin George Monk (1819-1900) in 1861.

Hymn books where it has been published include:

• Ancient and Modern, hymns and songs for refreshing worship, 2013
• Singing the Faith, published by Hymns Ancient & Modern for the Methodist Church, London, 2011

These books are the only known sources of sheet music for the song.

Downloads

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Examples

Virtual choir with light orchestral-style backing - all five verses

Singer with piano-led accompaniment

Instrumental - organ

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website. A rough outline is:

Week 1:  Advent candles tell their story, as we watch and pray, longing for ...

Week 2:  Prophet voices loudly crying, making pathways clear, glimpses glory ...

Week 3  John the Baptist, by his preaching, and by water poured ... and be ready, for the Lord.

Week 4  Mary’s gift, beyond all telling, was to give Christ room ...

Christmas Day:  Advent candles tell their story, on this Christmas Day.

See more ...

• Hymns for Advent
• Children's hymns

KEEP IN CASE WORDS DISAPPEAR FROM THE OTHER SITE

Week 1
Advent candles tell their story, as we watch and pray,
longing for the Day of Glory, “Come, Lord, soon”, we say,
Pain and sorrow, tears and sadness
changed for gladness, on that day.

Week 2
Prophet voices loudly crying, making pathways clear,
glimpses glory, self‐denying, calling all to hear.
Through their message – challenged, shaken –
hearts awaken: God is near.

Week 3
John the Baptist, by his preaching, and by water poured,
brought to those who heard his teaching, news of hope restored:
“Keep your vision strong and steady,
and be ready, for the Lord.

Week 4
Mary’s gift, beyond all telling, was to give Christ room.
She gave God a human dwelling, in a mother’s womb.
Who could guess the final story?
cross and glory; Empty tomb!

Christmas Day
Advent candles tell their story, on this Christmas Day.
Those who waited for God’s glory: they prepared the way.
Christ is with us: loving, giving,
in us living, here today!