Listen to Music for Advent While Preparing for Christmas

I can hardly believe that Christmas will be here in less than a week.  I am SO unprepared and doing lots of last-minute things like buying and shipping gifts back east for family members.

It struck me that one way I have NOT been preparing for Christmas is to listen to music for Advent rather than the more secular holiday music which plays on the radio or through streaming services on my phone.

Don’t get me wrong; I love all the music.  However, I started thinking how like so much else in our society, we do our best to skip over the waiting phase.

I was aghast to read a local columnist mention how some churches are playing Christmas carols at their services right now instead of Advent classics.

I’ve shared some of my favorites in the past, including this Sunday’s anchor post for the 40 Days of Seeking Him Week 3.  

I thought it would be nice for me to re-share a few from years past (possibly with new YouTube videos.)  

If I was feeling incredibly brave, I’d try my hand at recording my playing a few on piano.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel, known as O Antiphons, started on December 17th and will end on December 23rd.  

It’s the perfect time to sing this piece of music with your family and maybe dig a little into Scripture with them.

O Come Divine Messiah is a perpetual favorite of mine.

Just typing the title has me itching to pull out my hymnal music to play it.

Of the Father’s Love Begotten is a traditional acapella choir piece and this version is just stunning.

The Angel Gabriel is one that I love and so many people do NOT know.

Enjoy this acapella version by the Choir of King’s College, Cambridge.

For those who love truly traditional (aka Latin) for their Advent music, check out this playlist by Schola Antiqua of Chicago. Missa Conceptio Tua: Medieval & Renaissance Music for Advent.

I find it to be hauntingly beautiful and a great way to set a meditative mood.

What is your favorite piece of Advent music?

Join the 40 Days of Seeking Him Week Three Link Up

If joining us on the 40 Days of Seeking Him meme, please link directly to your post. Every week we will link up and share what we are doing, learning or how we celebrate the birth of our Lord. You are more than welcome to link up to more than one post each week if you’ve written multiple posts on the topic of Advent and growing closer to Christ.