Music Suggestions

Come and Set Us Free

This Contemporary song for Advent has a short eight bar refrain that is easily learned by all. The eight verses can be split into pairs of two for each of the four Sundays in Advent. Arranged for 3-part voices, keyboard, guitar and solo instruments in C, this strong melody by Trevor Thomson depicts the longing for salvation that the Birth of Christ brings.

Study Guide

Themes: Longing, Liberation, Light vs. Darkness, Hope, Social Justice

1. Overview

"Come and Set Us Free" is a contemporary Catholic hymn that perfectly captures the dual nature of Advent: the joyful anticipation of Christ's birth and the urgent cry for liberation from sin and darkness. It is widely used as a gathering song or communion hymn during the Advent season.

2. Scriptural & Theological Foundation

Key Scripture References

• Isaiah 9:2: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." (Reflected in the verse lyrics about awakening to the light).
• Psalm 34: "The Lord hears the cry of the poor."
• Luke 4:18: "He has sent me to proclaim liberty to captives."

Theological Themes

• Liberation: The refrain is a direct petition to God to break the chains of our spiritual and social imprisonment. It acknowledges that humanity cannot save itself; we need divine intervention.
• Awakening: The lyrics speak of waking up from slumber, aligning with the First Sunday of Advent readings (Year A) about "staying awake."
• Communal Prayer: The use of "Us" rather than "Me" emphasizes the collective longing of the Church. We are not just individuals waiting for Jesus; we are a people waiting for deliverance.

3. Musical Analysis

Style and Tempo

• Genre: Contemporary Catholic / Folk-Pop influence.
• Tempo: Moderate, rhythmic. It should not be dragged; it needs a "walking" pulse to suggest a pilgrimage or procession.
• Rhythm: The syncopation in the melody gives it a sense of urgency and forward motion. The refrain has a catchy, lifting quality that makes it easy for assemblies to learn.

Instrumentation Tips

• Guitar: Ideally suited for guitar accompaniment. Use a steady strumming pattern that emphasizes the backbeat slightly to keep the energy moving.
• Piano: Avoid heavy, chord-heavy plodding. Use arpeggios in the verses to create a lighter texture, then build into full chords for the refrain.
• Percussion: A shaker or light cajon beat works well to maintain the rhythmic drive without overpowering the vocals.

4. Lyrics Breakdown & Reflection

The Refrain

"Come, come, Lord Jesus. Come and set us free." "Come, come, Lord Jesus. Come and set us free."

Analysis: The repetition is meditative. It functions like a mantra or the "Maranatha" prayer. It is simple enough for children and non-readers to join in immediately.

Verse Highlights

• "We are your people, we long for new life..."
  • Reflection: This establishes our identity. We are defined by our relationship to God and our dissatisfaction with the status quo. We want "new life," not just a continuation of the old.
• "Awake from your slumber, arise from your sleep..."
  • Reflection: A direct call to action. Advent is not passive waiting; it is active preparation. This line challenges spiritual laziness.
• "To heal the broken, to hear the cry of the poor..."
  • Reflection: This connects the coming of Christ to social justice. We are asking Jesus to come not just for our personal comfort, but to rectify the suffering in the world.

5. Liturgical Placement

• Entrance Procession: This is the strongest placement. The upbeat rhythm and "gathering" language ("We are your people") set a perfect tone for the start of Mass.
• Communion: Can be used, especially if the tempo is taken slightly slower to emphasize the "longing" aspect.
• Advent Wreath Lighting: The refrain can be sung as an ostinato while the Advent candle is being lit.

6. Discussion Questions for Choirs or Groups

1. Personal Reflection: What "chains" or "burdens" are you personally asking Jesus to set you free from this Advent?
2. Musical Interpretation: How can we sing the verses differently from the refrain to show the difference between our current reality (verses) and our hope in Christ (refrain)?
3. Scriptural Connection: How does this song connect to the readings for this specific Sunday in Advent? (Look for words like "light," "darkness," "awake," or "freedom").

Tips for Lectors

FIRST READINGSECOND READING

Lisa Bellecci (bell-LAY-chee)-st.romain has a masters in pastoral theology. Her day job is a Christian clinical social worker.

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Lector Notes
for the 1st Reading

Greg Warnusz

Isaiah 2:1-5

Lisa Bellecci (bell-LAY-chee)-st.romain has a masters in pastoral theology. Her day job is a Christian clinical social worker.

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Lector Notes
for the 2nd Reading

Greg Warnusz

Romans 13:11-14