Most people group Advent and Christmas into one box – but we Catholics know better. However, how many of us are tempted to start blaring the Christmas songs as soon as Thanksgiving is over and Advent begins? Probably most of us.
While that’s not a bad thing by any means, it’s also always good to be cognizant of the season we’re in— and Advent is just around the corner, starting on December 1st.
So to help you get into the Advent season, we’ve compiled 10 great songs (and a variety of versions) to get you in the themes of Advent – waiting and hope for our King!
1. O Come O Come Emmanuel
Skillet, a band that any millennial metal-head knows well, gives this traditional and most famous Advent song a bold and dramatic feel that fits the song surprisingly well.
Tip: Check out the countless versions of this song in addition to the ones we have listed below – it’s nearly impossible to find a bad one.
More versions:
Casting Crowns (Instrumental)
The Civil Wars (Indie/Folk)
for King + Country (Pop Rock)
2. We Three Kings
Definitely the most famous song on this list, and though typically thought of as a Christmas song, the story it tells is an Advent one. This one by Sufjan Stevens is a modern folksy take on the traditional hymn.
Tip: If you’re looking for that classic, old-timey Christmas feel, check out Ella Fitzgerald’s version in the list below.
More versions:
Ella Fitzgerald (Jazz)
Hillsong Worship (Worship)
A lot of us are familiar with Advent, but may not know the roots and specific purpose of the season. We break it all down here in this simple guide to Advent.
3. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence
Our FOCUS ensemble has transformed this classic beautifully, giving the traditional song an acoustic rendition.
Tip: Check out the other versions too – it’s a gorgeous song that works in many genres.
More versions:
OCP Session Choir (Traditional Catholic)
Benedictines of Mary (Traditional Catholic)
4. Come Thou Font
“Come Thou Fount” isn’t traditionally an Advent hymn, but this adapted version — “A Christmas Hymn’ (set to the tune of Come Thou Fount)” — refreshes the lyrics to give it a fitting Christmas and Advent feel. Rend Collective is a band from Northern Ireland, so for any of you Hibernophiles (lover of Ireland) out there, this is for you!
More versions:
FOCUS (Worship)
Celtic Worship (Celtic folk)
Forrest Frank (Christian Pop)
5. In the Bleak Midwinter
These lyrics make it clear why it belongs on every Advent playlist:
“Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign”
More Versions:
Tenebrae (Traditional)
Bombay Bicylce Club (Indie)
Getting inspired? Why not play these songs while doing some Christmas shopping? We’ve got you covered with a list of Catholic gifts to get your loved ones this year.
6. Pie Jesu
Tip: Future of Forestry has a lot of specifically advent-themed albums and songs, so definitely check them out.
More versions:
The Priests (Traditional Catholic)
VOCES8 (Accapella)
7. Joy to the World
Ezra Collective’s take on “Joy to the World” is lively, bright, and impossible not to smile at — the kind of track that makes your Advent feel a little more joyful and a lot more fun with their modern jazzy vibes. Fun fact: Ezra Collective hit the Glastonbury stage this year, which pretty much confirms their greatness.
More versions:
The Belonging Co (Worship)
8. Mvmt I, “Rejoice, Rejoice!”
Starting out as a redition of “O Come O Come Emmanual,” wait around for the 4 min mark where the Oh Hellos change it up and add a haunting outro of their own that is guaranteed to evoke emotion.
9. Advent Hymn
A beautiful original song by Christy Nockels, this song captures the feeling of the “thrill of hope” that all Christians have leading up to celebrating the birth of Christ.
10. Christmas Bells
An original song by indie folk artist Joel Ansett, this song stays true to the theme of longing and the hope that Jesus’s coming will heal humanity.
BONUS: Feels Like Joy
“Feels Like Joy” by Micah Tyler has this relaxed, feel-good Christmas energy that’s just really easy to enjoy. It basically sounds like the soundtrack to a cozy Hallmark movie.
Advent is quick approaching, so get working on those playlists! We at FOCUS wish you a fruitful Advent season.
Additional Resources
Check out our list of Advent posts on FOCUS Equip, our website for resources and formative content. And look out for other Advent and Christmas-themed posts and guides throughout the holiday season on our blog!
For even more great Catholic resources, check out our podcast, which features talks from our SEEK conference, and our YouTube channel for videos and more!
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