Five Advent Carols to get you in the mood for the season

 Flickr

So, last week we brought you the definitive Christian Today top ten versions of that classic Advent carol O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. Although that is an undisputed classic, there are more great Advent carols to get excited about.

These carols are about the longing for the arrival of Emmanuel - God with us.

So here are five of the best to enjoy during this season of anticipation and expectation...

5. Hills of the North Rejoice

"City of God, the bond are free, we come to live and reign in thee!"

4. Creator of the Stars of Night

"Jesus, redeemer, save us all, and hear Thy servants when they call."

3. Lift up Your Heads, Ye Mighty Gates

"Fling wide the portals of your heart; make it a temple, set apart."

2. Lo, He Comes with Clouds Descending

"Saviour, take the pow'r and glory, claim the kingdom for thine own."

1. Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

"Hope of all the earth Thou art, dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart."

related articles
O Come, O Come Emmanuel: The 10 greatest versions of the best carol in time for Advent
O Come, O Come Emmanuel: The 10 greatest versions of the best carol in time for Advent

O Come, O Come Emmanuel: The 10 greatest versions of the best carol in time for Advent

Advent: 10 things you didn't know about the pre-Christmas season
Advent: 10 things you didn't know about the pre-Christmas season

Advent: 10 things you didn't know about the pre-Christmas season

Five ways to make your advent a little more meaningful
Five ways to make your advent a little more meaningful

Five ways to make your advent a little more meaningful

Advent reflection: How do you slow down when life gets busier?
Advent reflection: How do you slow down when life gets busier?

Advent reflection: How do you slow down when life gets busier?

News
Priest in West Bank's only Christian village speaks of Israeli 'impunity'
Priest in West Bank's only Christian village speaks of Israeli 'impunity'

Father Bashar Fawadleh, parish priest of Taybeh, wants perpetrators of attacks and intimidation to be held to account.

Pastor arrested in Cuba after uploading Bible lesson to YouTube
Pastor arrested in Cuba after uploading Bible lesson to YouTube

Pastor Rolando Pérez Lora was accosted by police mere moments after uploading the video.

Brazilian court rules in favour of student who said transgender women 'obviously born male'
Brazilian court rules in favour of student who said transgender women 'obviously born male'

A Brazilian veterinary student has been vindicated by a Federal Regional Court which ruled that she has no case to answer over online posts stating that transgender women “were obviously born male”.

Beyond self-sacrifice: why we need to expand our perspective of generosity in Lent 
Beyond self-sacrifice: why we need to expand our perspective of generosity in Lent 

As we fast and pray, perhaps we should also ask: what could we share? What might we release for the sake of someone else?