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
How can you even talk about Advent music without including this classic? This version by for KING + COUNTRY is an ethereal acoustic take.
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)
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)
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)
4. 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)
5. 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)
6. 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.
7. Come Thou Font
“Come Thou Fount” isn’t specifically an Advent song, but it is often used during the Advent season for its themes of longing, grace, and spiritual preparation.
This featured version is the work of Forrest Frank, who happens to be our SEEK25 performer!
More versions:
FOCUS (Worship)
Celtic Worship (Celtic folk)
8. 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.
9. Come Lord Jesus (An Advent Song)
Written and sung by worship band Vineyard Worship, this original evokes the longing and desperation we find ourselves in while awaiting the coming of our Lord.
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.
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!
Sign up for SEEK25 next January in Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City; registration is now open!
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