7 Worship Songs For Advent And Christmas (Arrival Of The King)

Advent is a season of anticipation. It is the time in the church calendar where we look back to the arrival of Jesus in the manger and look forward to His arrival in the clouds. It is a season of “already, but not yet.”

Planning worship for December can be challenging. You want to acknowledge the season without singing “Jingle Bells” every week. The best Advent songs bridge the gap between the Nativity and the Gospel, reminding us that the baby in the manger grew up to be the King on the cross.

Why These Songs Fit The Season

We selected these songs because:

  • They focus on the Incarnation. They celebrate the profound mystery of God becoming flesh to dwell among us.
  • They capture the waiting. Advent is about waiting in the darkness for the Light. These lyrics reflect that longing.
  • They are congregational. While many Christmas carols are difficult to sing, these modern anthems are built for corporate worship.

7 Songs To Celebrate The Arrival

  1. Light Of The World (Sing Hallelujah) – This modern carol captures the wonder of the Nativity perfectly. With lyrics like “Light of the world, treasure of heaven,” it brings a fresh, soulful energy to the Christmas season that gets the whole room singing.
  2. King Of Kings – The opening verse of this song is one of the best Advent narratives ever written: “In the darkness we were waiting, without hope without light, till from Heaven You came running.” It connects the manger directly to the theology of salvation.
  3. Make Room – The story of Christmas is that there was no room for Him in the inn. This song challenges the church to do what the innkeeper couldn’t: clear out the clutter and make room for Jesus to take His rightful place.
  4. Here I Am To Worship – “Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness.” This classic worship song is essentially a Christmas song. It describes the kenosis—the self-emptying of Christ—to save us.
  5. What A Beautiful Name – “You didn’t want heaven without us, so Jesus You brought heaven down.” This lyric beautifully summarizes the Incarnation. It reminds us that Christmas was a rescue mission.
  6. Jesus Messiah – Christmas is the celebration of Emmanuel, God with us. This song centers on that title, declaring Him the “Name above all names” and the “Rescue for sinners.”
  7. Come Jesus Come – Advent is not just looking back; it is looking forward. This song voices the cry of the church for the Second Advent, asking Jesus to come and heal the world once and for all.

Example Advent Setlists

Setlist 1 (The Light Has Come)

  1. Here I Am To Worship – Opens with gratitude for His coming.
  2. Light Of The World (Sing Hallelujah) – Celebrates the birth with high energy.
  3. What A Beautiful Name – Reflects on the theology of the Incarnation.

Setlist 2 (Preparing The Way)

  1. Come Jesus Come – Acknowledges our longing for His return.
  2. Make Room – A prayer of surrender and preparation.
  3. King Of Kings – Tells the full story from the cradle to the crown.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Light the candle. If your church uses an Advent wreath, Here I Am To Worship is perfect to sing while the candle is being lit.
  • Mix with carols. These modern songs pair well with traditional carols. Try transitioning from O Come All Ye Faithful straight into King Of Kings.
  • Read Luke 2. Before singing Light Of The World, read the angel’s announcement to the shepherds to set the scene.

Next Steps

Don’t wait until Christmas Eve to sing about the birth of Jesus. Start incorporating songs like King Of Kings or Make Room in early December to help your congregation prepare their hearts for the King.