Advent Songs

Advent, like many Christian liturgical seasons, lends itself to songs and hymns of praise and worship. Many families sing songs while lighting the traditional Advent candles. Advent songs and hymns are a great way to honor the spirit of the season. Hymns can be a good way for people to prepare themselves spiritually for the Advent season and the coming of Christmas. Advent songs and devotionals are often part of Church servies in the weeks leading up to the Christmas holiday, but they can also be recited at home in the company of friends and family.

Mahalo's page offers links to some of the best songs and hymns to celebrate the Advent season.

O come, O come, Emmanuel,

And ransom captive Israel,

That mourns in lonely exile here

Until the Son of God appear

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel ChurchYear.net: Advent Hymns and Canticles

Let all mortal flesh keep silence,

And with fear and trembling stand;

Ponder nothing earthly minded,

For with blessing in His hand,

Christ our God to earth descendeth,

Our full homage to demand.ChurchYear.net: Advent Hymns and Canticles

While many lump together the ideas of Advent and Christmas songs, the two are vastly different to some. Christmas carols tend to celebrate the arrival of Jesus and the joy that it brings to the hearts of many Christians. Advent songs, however, tend to be more about anticipating the Savior's arrival ("O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" for example). When considering Advent songs, keep this in mind.