Christmas and Advent Worship

One of the most wonderful things about this time of year is the music. We sing in joyful praise of Jesus’ birth, and in the hope of his second coming. There is something irreplaceable about gathering together with others to sing Christmas hymns and carols, and it is a merciful provision from God that we can do that in limited ways now, even though we still long to be all together as a church family. 

In addition to our singing together on Sundays, there is so much good music we can enjoy on our own, in our homes, our cars, or at work. You all probably have your favorite albums and playlists, but here are a few recommendations for virtual “concerts” this season. These are events you can watch, listen to, and sing along with wherever you are.

• Risen with Healing in His Wings: Wheaton College Christmas Festival. Friday, December 18.

The Conservatory of Music at Wheaton puts on an annual Christmas concert, normally on campus. This year it will be an online concert with performances from their various Choirs and ensembles. Admission is free but you do need to register and donations are accepted.

• “Songs of Hope”: A TGC Advent Concert. Available anytime.

The Gospel Coalition gathered several artists – Including Keith and Kristyn Getty, Shane & Shane, Sandra McCracken, and Josh Garrels – to put on an virtual Advent concert. TGC has also put together a 100-song playlist you can listen to on Spotify or whatever digital music platform you use.

• Pocket Messiah: Portland Baroque Orchestra. Sunday, December 20.

Handel’s Messiah tells the Christmas story, and really the gospel, with moving music and thoroughly biblical lyrics. Even those of us who don’t generally listen to classical music can appreciated it and worship along with it. Portland Baroque Orchestra has performed the Messiah annually for the past 25 years, and this year they are putting on an abridged, online version that is free to view on YouTube, starting at 3pm on Sunday, December 20th.

If you know of other events like these, or if you have favorite Christmas music, feel free to share those with others. Also, for the next couple weeks, the GBC blog will continue its series of posts by Mike Garland reflecting on Advent and the songs of Christmas.