Helmsley Alleluia

This setting is based on the hymn tune Helmsley usually sung to Lo, he comes with clouds descending. It began when preparing for a small group where there would not be much time to rehearse. The readings suggested using Lo, he comes and I thought why not adapt as an Alleluia as well. It worked well — we sang it with guitar and drums. Helmsley seems to be one of those tunes people know even if they don’t why and it is a good tune – which means as an Alleluia it is a rousing sing. The verses are taken from the Sundays of Advent in the Lectionary and the Immaculate Conception — the end of the verse is based on the hymn tune and leads into the Alleluia.