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New Christian Contemporary Worship Songs Leading Up To The Christmas Season
Check out these three new worship songs from Riley Clemmons, Hillsong Worship, and Alexander Pappas, perfect for a small church.
The end of November typically kicks off the season of Advent as we start approaching Christmas.
If celebrating Advent is new to you, the word itself means “coming” and it’s all about anticipating the coming of the Messiah. Advent is often considered a season of reflection and waiting.
Celebrating Advent doesn’t have to be formal at all. Simply done, instead of busting out all the “Jesus is born!” music early in December, just add a little biblical teaching about the time of waiting that happened BEFORE Jesus was born.
Throughout the Bible, we’re encouraged by example and by command to remember God’s faithfulness in times of hardship and in times of waiting.
- Click to read Why More Evangelicals Are Celebrating Advent
- Click for 7 Songs About Waiting: Perfect For Advent
In keeping with our 3 Top Worship Songs each month, here are my November picks, and they are all pretty perfect for the Advent theme too!
November 2021 Edition: Top Advent Worship Songs
1. For The Good (Riley Clemmons)
- Tempo: Medium
- CCLI Song #: 7186256
- Colby Wedgeworth | Riley Clemmons
- 2021
Country Feel With A Timeless Message
If you’re not into country music, please take a try at putting your own twist to this song. I’m a big fan of NOT trying to sound like a recording because, honestly, the gift of music has so much more to offer. No song sounds the same with different bands and different vocalists, and there’s nothing wrong with singing your own version.
The message of “For The Good” is straight from Romans 8.
Romans 8:28 Helps Us Trust In The Waiting
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
If the good was always instant, there would be no need for this verse and no need for hope. This is the reason we have hope in the waiting: Because we trust God is working all things for good. (See the connection? Advent = waiting for Jesus.)
Chorus:
For the good for the good
You work all things together
For the good for the good
Your promise stands forever
You alone are my greatest hope
I trust You on the broken road
You work all things together like only You could
For the good
Of those who love You
Find These Chords At Ultimate Guitar
If you’re a regular reader, you know my main go-to for lyrics and chords is a membership site called SongSelect. Occasionally, the songs I find are too new for that site. They typically get added as the weeks go by, but as of this writing, “For The Good” isn’t there yet.
Until they get it added there, you can find the chord sheet here: Ultimate GuitarTabs.
2. Never Walk Alone (Hillsong Worship)
- Tempo: Slow-Medium
- CCLI Song #: 7177342
- Ben Fielding | Hannah Hobbs | Jenn Johnson
- My Chosen Singable Key: G
- 2021
The Message Is God Is Faithful
The slow start of this song is almost lulling, but more than a comforting song, this song is a faith builder. If you allow it, this song can change your energy and your mindset in its 5-minute time frame. How awesome is that?!
The power of the lyrics and the energy builds throughout the song, especially in the bridge. If you’re developing the musicianship of your worship team, pay close attention to the repeat of the bridge, the building of the instruments (and not just the volume), and then the complete drop to acapella.
This is where the life-change happens in music –– it’s not just the ability to play an instrument or use your vocal cords to sing on key. It’s in learning to communicate a message through music. Teach that to your team, and it’ll change your worship.
(the first bridge starts at 2:50 if you want to bounce back and repeat that!)
Never Alone Is A Common Theme
If the “never alone” theme seems familiar, it’s because it is. One of my favorites from quite a few years back is “Never Once” (Matt Redman, 2011) with the same theme. This theme appears often because we need the reminder!
“Never Walk Alone” Reminds Us Of God’s Faithfulness
Verse:
I have never walked alone
I’ve never been abandoned
You are my inheritance
You are my strength and shield
And I have confidence
You go before me
You’re my deliverer
I know I never walk alone
God’s constant presence throughout the generations, from Biblical history through today, is a core foundation of our shared faith –– that God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and we will never walk alone.
3. Pause (Alexander Pappas)
- Tempo: Slow
- CCLI Song #: 7178185
- Alexander Pappas | Mitch Wong | Tommy Christer Sjostrom
- 2021
Creating A Pause In The Busy Holiday Season Is A Gift!
The last thing anyone needs in the middle of the holiday season is more noise. I always consider some quiet space in worship an amazing gift. Is this something you could gift to your worshippers on a Sunday morning?
Close Your Eyes As You Listen To Alexander Pappas
Wow. I just want to stop for the day now.
Chorus:
Maybe it’s time to pause
Stand still in Your presence
And listen to Heaven
Fall in humble surrender
In reverence of who You are
Maybe it’s time to pause
Verse 2:
Though the wind and waves keep raging on
I put my trust in the One who calms the seas
The heights that I’ll climb
The depths that I’ll roam
Jesus my anchor through it all
Oh Your Name is hope enough for me
Click the following link to find the song lyrics & chords for this brand new release on Worship Together.com: Pause Chords & Lyrics
Follow this worship song with some true silence –– no filler music, no instruments, just a few minutes of pure quiet. (If you try it, let me know how it goes! It’s often unsettling, but, oh so good for our hearts and our spirits.)
The Advent Of Christmas
Whether you formally celebrate the Advent season or set apart the holiday in another way, I pray these songs are a blessing to you.
Looking for something fresh and new for the holiday season?
Check out the Blue Christmas Pack & the Advent Worship Pack!
Read More
3 New Worship Songs: October 2021
3 New Worship Songs: September 2021
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