Advent III: Joy

Death Valley superbloom; photograph by Paul Vasile

Joy Shall Come in the Morning - Mary Alice Amidon

This hopeful song by Mary Alice Amidon was introduced to us by Rachel Kroh, MtMC’s first Executive Director. Notice how Rachel teaches the refrain to the assembly through call and echo, then invites a small choral ensemble to sing the verses in harmony. This is a wonderful way to imagine learning new hymns (especially with a chorus/refrain), alternating between the voice of the assembly and a choir (small or large).

Here’s a video of the Starry Mountain Singers sharing it in a four-part arrangement, as well as a link to purchase a score and learn more about this song created in the days after the Virginia Tech shooting.  

Music That Makes Community is excited to share planning guides that help you incorporate paperless music into your community's worship life. Each resource includes valuable teaching notes, musical scores, as well as hyperlinks to practice videos. After you submit payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with download information. 

Paperless Music for Advent and Christmas
(PDF file, 14 pages w/introduction by Paul Vasile) - $20.00

Explore paperless music for the Advent and Christmas seasons, including prayer songs, acclamations, candle lighting songs and more.