We all know those people who run right over Advent on their way to decorate the Christmas tree. Or maybe we are those people. You’ve just packed away your Thanksgiving leftovers and they’re already cranking up the Christmas tunes.
Turn down “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” for goodness sake. It’s not even Christmas yet. Here are our favorite Advent tunes to listen to instead!
1. Awake, O Sleeper
In his Letter to the Ephesians, Paul reminded the Christians to take no part in the fruitless works of darkness. Rather, he urges them to expose the darkness. “For this reason it says, ‘Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you.'”
Ike Ndolo’s lyrics are perfect for Advent. “In the darkest times of life, when our lights refuse to shine, you are there, you are there. When our hearts become like stone, when we live without hope, you are there, you are there.”
2. Let It Be Done
In song made for Advent, Chris Muglia reflects on the moment where Mary uttered her Fiat, “Let it be done to me according to your will.” This is a beautiful passage of Scripture to take to prayer and reflection throughout this season of prepartion.
You can even take Chris Muglia’s lyrics to heart, especially when he sings, “Yes, Lord, I’m ready to receive. Yes, Lord, I’m ready to believe. Let it be done unto me.”
3. Come Thou Font
Robert Robinson penned the words to “Come Thou Font” back in 1757 when he was only 22 years old. The lyrics are based on 1 Samuel, where the prophet raises a stone monument to the Lord and says, “As far as this place the LORD has been our help.”
There is an incredible amount of beautiful versions of this song out there, but we loved how Kings Kaleidoscope played with the rhythm of this classic song.
Check out these beautiful, Advent-worthy lyrics: ” I hope, by Thy good pleasure
safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger wandering from the fold of God. He, to rescue me from danger, interposed His precious blood.”
4. Prepare the Way
Throughout Advent, we Christ’s words from the Gospels urging us to prepare the way for the coming of God. If you want to reflect on the Gospel readings before or after Sunday Mass, “Prepare the Way” is the perfect song for reflection!
5. Looking for a Savior
Back in 2008, United Pursuit Band started making music together. They originated in Mozambique, and their 2015 album was appeared on the Billboard magazine charts.
These lyrics are perfect for your Advent prayer time: “I am looking for a savior I can see and know and touch, one who dwells within the midst of us. May a broken God be known within the earth beneath our feet, let our souls behold humility.”
6. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
You can’t put together an Advent playlist without including “Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel” at least twice.
You’ll probably be singing this song at Mass, too, but it just doesn’t get old. We love The David Crowder Band’s rendition.
Lyrics perfect for your Advent prayer time? “O come, Thou Day-Spring. Come and cheer our spirits by Thine advent here. Disperse the gloomy clouds of night, and death’s dark shadows put to flight. Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel shall come to thee, o Israel.”
7. When Hope Came Down
Yes we know, this song is on Kari Jobe’s Christmas album. There are plenty of other beautiful songs on there, but “When Hope Came Down” is perfect for your Advent listening. And there are bells, so even your most Christmas-ready friend will love it.
“So let us sing redemption songs,” Kari belts out. “Let us worship Christ the holy one. We were lost, but we were found when hope came down.”
8. Restless
No Catholic Advent playlist is complete without the voices of Audrey Assad and Matt Maher. “Restless” captures exactly our feelings when waiting for the coming of the baby Jesus.
Check out these perfect Advent lyrics: “Oh, speak now for my soul is listening. Say that You have saved me, whisper in the dark, the dark. ‘Cause I know You’re more than my salvation. Without you I am hopeless, tell me who You are.”
9. Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
Just like “Come Thou Font,” “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus” is an Advent classic that goes way back. It first appeared in 1744 and has been sung ever since.
The song’s lyrics are Advent worthy right out of the gate: “Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free; From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.”
10. O Holy Night
Sometimes this song only makes an appearance on Christmas, but it deserves to be played over and over (and over!) during the Advent season. Again, there are renditions of this classic song for every taste of music but we loved the harmony in this version!
These lyrics are perfect for Advent: “Long lay the world in sin and error pining. Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.”
11. What Wondrous Love is This?
You really can’t go wrong with the classics. This beautiful folk hymn is perfect for your Advent playlist this year!
Check out these lyrics, perfect for lighting those purple and pink candles by: “When I was sinking down beneath God’s righteous frown, Christ laid aside His crown for my soul, for my soul.”
12. Hearts Waiting
LOVE Christmas music but still want to celebrate the season of Advent? “Hearts Waiting” by Matt Redman is the perfect song for you.
Mixed in with the beautiful lyrics of “Joy to the World,” these are the perfect lyrics to reflect on during Advent: “Hearts waiting, waiting on a savior. Come, o come Emmanuel. Hear the prophets, speaking of the promise. . . A light of glory filled the sky and we heard the angel choir.”
