Wednesday, Dec 8, 2021

Advent Music or Christmas Carols? A Boring Disagreement

In case you didn’t know, there’s been a great debate within Churches throughout history regarding the proper music selections during Advent. Advent, the four weeks of preparation that lead to Christmas, is traditionally accompanied by Advent-themed music. Did you even know there was a difference? The difference is easy to hear. Advent music is rather slow, somewhat sad, and produced in those “minor” keys, whereas Christmas carols are quicker in pace, happy, and upbeat.

When I first became a pastor over twenty years ago, I was trained to provide only Advent music until Christmas arrived (see below). I would see new people making their annual stop at Church during December. They would arrive with the expectations to sing those happy Christmas Carols. Instead, they were greeted by the singing of sad, slow, and unfamiliar music.

I just don’t get it. I would think that a church should give the people what they want. Namely, give ‘em the happy stuff and maybe they’ll come back in January after they make their New Years’ Resolution. Is there even a purpose to Advent music? Indeed, there is!

Advent music reminds us that we need more; we long for God to relieve us and restore us. Advent, a time to prepare for something “new”, may use the sad songs to remind us that something good is coming! God has promised Emmanuel – God With Us.

As someone who used to be an infrequent visitor to Church, I pledged to myself that I would choose the “happy songs” for the entirety of the Christmas Season. But perhaps in the midst of my “Happy” Christmas music, I need a taste of the gloomy Advent music to remind me of the truth: No matter what sufferings or loneliness I may experience, no matter how dark the day may be, God IS with Us… God IS with me and God is with you, too.

Which do you prefer? Advent Music or Christmas carols? Either way, God is with us!

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Joshua, 1:9 ESV).