This Advent, I have been a part of the Upper Room’s Advent Devotion Course called “Light From Afar.” It is based on a book by the same name. I highly recommend the book! Each week, we are studying the Scriptures from the perspective of Christians from different countries – Brazil, Philippines, Ukraine, and South Africa. My soul has been enriched through the words of the authors and the insights I’ve gained into how they celebrate Christmas in their cultures.
With each day’s reading, the authors also selected music to accompany it. So, I wanted to share some of those musical pieces with you. My hope is that these songs will also enrich your Advent/Christmas season.
From Brazil: “Louvor” by Viva Vida and Gente da Casa (Louvor means “praise”) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVJ-RssJZek
From Brazil: “Xote da Vitória” by Viva Vida and Gente da Casa – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mp3FKgTxgc8
From Brazil: “Na visão dos novos profetas” by Viva Vida and Gente da Casa – https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=shared&v=HieK03U-VtA
From Philippines: “Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri” (“My Heart Praises the Lord”) by Bukas Palad Ministry – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYf4Q9Z2c00
From Philippines: “Humayo’t’ Ihayag” (“Go Forth and Reveal”) by Bukas Palad Music Ministry – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBSkpl8U0xk
From Philippines: “Misyon” by Gary Granada – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-fyjTbeb1s
From Ukraine: “Three Kings” by Menestreli Vocal Group – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXykfwpYhA8
From Ukraine: “Carol of the Bells” by Eileen, Composer: Shchedryk (by Sharovaari) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8Ycv-tcm4o (this is a traditional Ukrainian carol)
From Ukraine: “Don’t Cry, Rachel” Composer: Myroslav Skoryk – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4q4TapYkJ6s (Rachel crying is referenced in Matthew 2)
From South Africa: “Ndikhokhele Bawo (Lead Me)” by Wits Choir – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVvUlun-bZ0
From South Africa: “An African Christmas” by Drakensberg Boys Choir – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03G_KRhtEzM
From South Africa: “African Christmas—The Sun Shines Down” by Frits365 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9rIgzS_LS0
Scottsville United Methodist Church 