With the season of Advent upon us we wanted to share some of our favorite picks for Advent and Christmas. Listed in no particular order, these are songs we have on heavy rotation this year.
ON CHRISTMAS DAY
written by David Gentiles and Jennie Lee Riddle
A beautiful hymn that celebrates the joy and hope of the coming of Christ. Though A new song, it is reminiscent of the greatest of sacred carols, faithfully proclaiming the Christmas narrative, and salvation found in Christ. A great option for an choral and orchestral Christmas opener!
ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH
written by Shane Bernard, Sean Carter
A fresh arrangement of the classic carol. Shane And Shane modernized the melody of the traditional chorus, and The added bridge is an invitation to join the heavenly song, translating the latin "Gloria in excelsis Deo" to english "Glory be to God in the highest"
GOD IN FLESH AND BLOOD
by Travis Ryan, Brandon Collins and Jennie Lee Riddle
A song that celebrates the incarnation of God through Jesus Christ. This is a heart moving arrangement with string quartet, piano and acoustic guitar. A great selection to point the incarnate word made flesh , and to the saving work of Jesus blood on the cross.
CHRISTMAS TIME JUST FOR YOU AND ME
by Crystal Yates
Less Advent but Extra-Christmas, Crystal Yates does what she does so well, and captivates the listener with her soulful voice. This one, is for anyone in love on Christmas; think Norah
Jones's "Come Away With Me" meets "Baby It's Cold Outside"
GLORIA
by Elizabeth Hunnicut, Sean Carter and Ryan Flanigan
Taken from "The Message" version of John 1 (MSG) the opening line helps to wrap our minds around how God humbled himself into humanity, leaving a throne and moving "into the neighborhood". Other lyrical poetry, "Heavens Creator, gravity bound" and "Gave up the power and privilege of deity" is interpreted from Philippians 2.
O COME DIVINE MESSIAH
written by Robbie Seay and Jennie Lee Riddle
It is a modern day English adaption of the original lyrics from "Venez, Devin Messie," a 16th century French card by Abbot Simon-Joseph Pellegrin (1663-1745). Although originally intended to celebrate the advent of the Messiah's birth, this version takes the liberty of expanding Pellegrin's message to include the long-awaited advent of Christ's return.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD
written by Lauren Daigle, Paul Duncan and Paul Mabury
"The drought breaks with the tears of a mother A baby's cry is the sound of love Come down" uniquely merges the humanity of child Messiah's birth, with the flood of divinity that came to earth after 400 years of silence. The bridge of this song is a declaration of hope that our King has come.
SON OF LIGHT
written by Magen Thurman, Tony Alany, Jennie Lee Riddle Son of Light is an artistic take on Mary's perspective as the mother of Jesus. It's an interesting look through her eyes as she sees the fulfillment of who her son really is--the promised Messiah and King of the world.