Churched
Advent music is not the same as Christmas music. Yes, both are usually played around the same time. But they are not the same. Advent expresses longing, waiting, deep desire. Advent expresses the tension we have as we live between the first and second coming of Jesus. He has come. He is coming again. For now, we wait. We hope. We long. We ache. This is Advent. Christmas music focuses on and celebrates the event of Jesus’ first arrival in Bethlehem to an engaged couple from Nazareth. One is not better or worse than the other. There can be overlap. But they are different.
It is not difficult to find good Christmas music. It can be, however, a bit harder to find solid Advent music.
Here are ten of my favorite songs to hear on repeat this time of year (during Advent):
“The Weary World Rejoices” The Journey Collective
“I Wonder as I Wander” Future of Forestry
“Come Thou Long Expected Jesus” Wilder Adkins
“The Light Came Down” Josh Garrels
“God Came Down to Us” Jonathan and Emily Martin
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day” Casting Crowns
“Is He Worthy/Agnus Dei/We Fall Down” Maverick City Music
“Hallelujah, Christ is Born” Caroline Cobb
“O Come O Come Emmanuel” Former Ruins
Handel’s Messiah Jenny and Tyler
The folks at The Gospel Coalition have assembled Advent albums and music playlists for your listening pleasure. Links to albums can be found here and here. Links to playlists are here and here.
What are your favorite songs and albums?
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