Emmanuel: 7 Anthems for Advent

Advent is a very special time of the year that sometimes gets lost in the bright lights of Christmas. But let's not forget...Advent has some very significant and meaningful lights of its own! The Advent season is traditionally marked by the lighting of candles in the four week period leading up to Christmas. In each of the four weeks, we light candles that represent hope, peace, love, and joy.

Of these four candles, the first is the "Hope Candle." It is lit in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ and it represents the anticipation of the coming Messiah. It is sometimes called the "Prophecy Candle."

The second is the "Faith Candle" or the "Bethlehem Candle," and it reminds us of Jospeh and Mary's journey to Bethlehem.

The "Joy Candle" is lit in the third week and it's also known as the "Shepherd's Candle." It's meant to remind us of the joy the world experienced with the birth of Christ.  

In the fourth week of Advent, we light the "Peace Candle" or the "Angel's Candle" to symbolize the angel's announcement, "Peace on Earth, good will toward men." 

Advent is a season of preparation and expectation, and it directly precedes Christmas. As a time of reflection and anticipation, it prepares us for the celebration of Jesus' birth. With a wide range of contemporary and blended arrangements, we hope you'll enjoy the excellent selection of anthems for Advent featured below! 

SATB (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
Behold Emmanuel
Arranged by Bradley Knight, Regi Stone
Both gentle & commanding, "Behold Emmanuel" is a lush, atmospheric ballad, recounting the humble setting & circumstances into which Jesus was born. Arranged for SATB choir with soloist. 

PRAISE & WORSHIP (EASY)
Emmanuel
Arranged by Matthew Ferrer, Jeff Jansen
Rejoice in the birth of our Lord with a joyful two-step shuffle, and simple, celebratory message. Arranged for solo vocalist with small band, it's equally suited for performance and congregational worship. Also available to Unlimited Plus members as part of the "God With Us" Christmas musical.

SATB (EASY)
Behold, He Has Come
Arranged by Robert Sterling
This contemporary worship chorus is a response to the wonder and glory of the Incarnation. Arranged for simple SATB with soloist, your congregation will be singing along the very first time.

SATB (MEDIUM DIFFICULTY)
Blessed Savior, Son of God
Arranged by Phillip Keveren
This delicate Christmas ballad features a lush orchestral backdrop and tender harmonies. A beautiful, gentle adoration of Jesus, our Emmanuel.

3-PART (EASY)
Come, Emmanuel Medley
Arranged by Craig Adams
A grand medley of carols and hymns with a majestic entrance and contemplative final cadence, this choral arrangement is largely unison with moments of 3-part harmony. An easy addition to your Christmas repertoire.

CHILDREN'S 2-PART (EASY)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Arranged by Paul Mills
A fresh two-part arrangement of this classic carol for children's choir and soloist that captures the beauty and mystery of this Old Testament prophecy of the coming Messiah. Appropriate for younger as well as older groups.

PIANO INSTRUMENTAL (EASY)
O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
Arranged by Timothy Webb
Timothy Webb delivers a fresh take on the classic Christmas hymn that wordlessly expresses the longing of creation for the coming of the King.