The hope-filled anticipation of Jesus’ coming is one of the great sources of joy that dominates the Christian’s faith and worship. While we struggle to endure with patience the hardships of this life, we have the sure promise of God that the Redeemer will come. That sustained the saints of the Old Testament for centuries, frequently bolstered by prophecies of His coming to Bethlehem and Calvary. And that same hope sustains the saints today, amid the many-faceted turmoil of our age, as we anticipate His return.
Our Advent hymns generally have a slightly different character than our Christmas carols. In the first, there is that sense of longing that in some instances will musically and poetically be characterized by a somewhat somber tone. We hear examples of that in “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel” and “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming.” In the second, there is usually a much more joyful sound that celebrates the Savior’s having come. And we hear examples of that in “O Come, All Ye Faithful” and “Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.”