Did you know that Advent has its very own songs? I certainly didn’t until I began exploring the beauty of the liturgical calendar. Most of us associate December with Christmas music—joyful carols celebrating the birth of Christ. But Advent, the season of waiting and preparation, offers us a different kind of music—songs of longing, hope, and deep yearning for the Savior to come.
Why Advent Music Matters
Advent music sets a tone that is entirely different from the celebratory nature of Christmas music. It acknowledges the reality of a world in darkness, groaning for redemption, and yearning for deliverance. The songs of Advent help us lean into this season of anticipation, heightening our sense of longing for Jesus—both His coming as a baby in Bethlehem and His promised return in glory.
Take, for example, the famous hymn “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Its haunting melody and lyrics reflect the deep ache for salvation felt by God’s people:
O come, O come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
This ancient hymn, rooted in Scripture and tradition, is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Christ. The refrain, “Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel,” captures the tension of Advent perfectly: the joy of what’s promised, but not yet fulfilled.
Another beautiful hymn is “Lo, He Comes With Clouds Descending.” This hymn focuses on Jesus’ second coming and builds in intensity, capturing the triumph and glory of His reign:
Lo! He comes with clouds descending,
Once for our salvation slain;
Thousand thousand saints attending
Swell the triumph of His train:
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
God appears, on earth to reign.
When you sing or listen to these songs, you can’t help but feel the weight of the world’s longing and the power of the hope we have in Christ.
Resisting the Pull of Christmas Music
I’ll be honest—it can be tough to focus on Advent music when Christmas carols are playing everywhere you go. From shopping malls to radio stations, the world skips straight to Christmas without pausing for Advent.
But by intentionally embracing the music of Advent, we can deepen our experience of the season. Holding off on Christmas music doesn’t diminish its joy—it makes it that much sweeter.
In our family, we’ve made a tradition of saving Christmas carols until Christmas Eve. During Advent, we immerse ourselves in its themes of waiting and expectation. By the time we arrive at church for the Christmas Eve service, we are bursting with excitement to sing “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.” The joy of celebrating Christ’s birth feels richer, fuller, and more meaningful because we’ve spent weeks preparing our hearts.
Advent Playlists to Enrich Your Season
To help you embrace the beauty of Advent, I’ve created two playlists: one with traditional hymns and another with contemporary Advent songs. Whether you’re lighting candles on your Advent wreath, driving in the car, or enjoying a quiet moment of reflection, these songs will help you enter into the season with purpose.
Traditional Advent Playlist
This playlist features beloved hymns that have been sung for generations. They connect us to the timeless hope of the Church as we wait for the coming of Christ. Songs like “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” and “O Come, Divine Messiah” invite us into the quiet reverence and expectant longing of Advent.
Contemporary Advent Playlist
This playlist includes modern songs that capture the themes of waiting and hope in fresh and creative ways. Artists like Mission House, Andrew Peterson, and Audrey Assad bring the heart of Advent to life for today’s listeners.
The Gift of Waiting
Advent music is a gift. It allows us to pause, reflect, and prepare our hearts for both the celebration of Christ’s birth and the hope of His return. By focusing on the themes of Advent, we can embrace the tension of living in the "already, but not yet"—the world where Christ has come but where we still long for His kingdom to come in fullness.
So, this Advent season, I invite you to lean into the waiting. Let the music of Advent fill your home, your heart, and your family’s traditions. I promise it will make the joy of Christmas even greater when it finally arrives.
How do you celebrate Advent through music? I’d love to hear your thoughts and favorite songs in the comments below!
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