Advent Songs...

I was tagged by Heidi. I'm on it-- no reluctance there... (only 5 songs?!)


1. First, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas albums. Any of them. It was listening to Mannheim steamroller as a child while putting up the Christmas tree that made it feel like Christmas, and it always inspired in me a deep understanding of the rich excitement and gloriousness of this season. Musically, there are just so many layers, and it added so much depth. Just thinking about Mannheim Steamroller gets me anticipating the Christmas season!

2. "Do you hear what I hear?" is a longtime favorite. I remember singing it with the Holland Youth Chorale when I was probably in 5th grade. It encapuslates the progression-- from the birth of Christ, to the lowly shepherds, to the city and king, and finally, to "people everywhere!"

3. The Newsboys' version of "Where You Belong/Turn your eyes upon Jesus" --It's totally appropriate for the Christmas season in so many ways, as we turn our eyes towards Him. (see?)
When you're dull from all that glitters,
when you're thoughts have a hollow ring,
when you can't escape from the feeling
you're getting it wrong...
All your foolproof plans seem foolish,
all your status is status quo,
all your really need to know
is where you belong.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus.
Look full in his wonderful face.
And the things of earth will grow
strangely dim in the light
of his glory and grace.
I was used to the cold for so long
that I couldn't feel anything.
And I shivered and stared like a beggar
who won't lift his hands.
I was numb until he touched me.
I was deaf until he heard.
I was senseless 'til I met the one
who understands.

4. I'm copying Heidi-- O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Just because it's assumed. And gorgeous.

5. Handel's Messiah. I remember a couple of the Christmases we went to go hear my sister sing in the Messiah. It is quite an experience, even as a kid. It is part of what ushers me into the season, waiting for the moment and anticipating the ways that God's Salvation works itself out through the world, from beginning to end.


Blessings,
Betsy