“It’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Christmas is near and that means Advent songs are here.

The nostalgia of Christmas carols is nearly intoxicating to me. From today through December 25th a Christmas tune will never be far from earshot.

While my favorite Christmas carol varies from year to year my favorite band never wavers, I always tip my hat to the men of Future of Forestry. Their three Advent EPs (Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3) are well worth your money and attention. To whet your appetite for their creative mastery and subtle brilliance check out a couple offerings below: an ancient anthem and a contemporary chorus.

JESU JOY OF MAN’S DESIRING

Wohl mir, daß ich Jesum habe (Jesu, joy of man’s desiring)
wie feste halt’ ich ihn (Holy wisdom, love most bright)
daß er mir mein Herze labe (Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring)
wenn ich krank und traurig bin (Soar to uncreated light)

Jesum hab’ ich, der mich liebet (Word of God, our flesh that fashioned)
und sich mir zu eigen giebet (With the fire of life impassioned)
ach drum laß’ ich Jesum nicht (Striving still to truth unknown)
wenn mir gleich mein Herze bricht (Soaring, dying round Thy throne)

THE EARTH STOOD STILL

A teenage girl and her soon-to-be
A simple trip far as they could see
The sky was clear and the hour serene
But did they know what the night would bring

Lonely hearts strung across the land
They’ve been waiting long for a healing hand
My heart was there and I felt the chill
Love came down and the earth stood still
Love came down and the earth stood still

Shepherds stirred under starry skies
Tasting grace that would change their lives
The angels trembled and the demons did too
For they knew very well what pure grace would do.

The hope of the world and a baby boy
I remember Him well like I was there that night
My heart was there and I felt the chill
Love came down and the earth stood still
Love came down and the earth stood still
Love came down and the earth stood still