Advent: An Invitation to the Waiting

I didn’t grow up observing Advent and as an adult I’m still trying to understand what it means. But I think one way to help me understand is through participation.

In Advent: The Season of Hope, Tish Harrison Warren writes that during this season “we take time to reflect on how Jesus, whom the people of Israel longed for, meets us today. We look at the places in our own lives where we yearn for Christ to come, places where we need hope, encouragement, help, and deliverance.”

In periods of longing, in times of waiting in my life there is always tension and even questioning. So, to encourage time spent meditating on the Word, I’m sharing a couple songs that express that yearning and invite you to listen to one today, before or after your scripture reading. (Songs listed in no particular order.)

1. Before The King (feat. DanaNecole) – Geoffrey Golden, DanaNecole
2. King of Glory (feat. Shana Wilson-Williams) – Todd Dulaney, Shana Wilson-Williams
3. Throne – Live – Jordan G. Welch
4. Sovereign God – Maurette Brown Clark
5. I Need Thee – Cory Henry, Bishop Carlton Pearson
6. (I Need Thee – Paul Zach, Jessica Fox, and iAmSon is another nice rendition)
7. Show Yourself Strong – Fred Hammond

If you want something with a little more tension, check out:

• O Come, O Come, Emmanuel – Sharon Irving
• Trouble So Hard – Vera Hall (this song may not be appropriate for kids)
• All in His Plan (feat. Le’Andria Johnson & Mary Mary) – PJ Morton, Mary Mary, Le’Andria Johnson
• God Is Good – Jonathan McReynolds