our musical advent calendar, day 22

Inspired by Pinterest, Anna wanted to do an advent calendar. And inspired by Advent Conspiracy, she wanted to make it about presence, not presents. Ian had a brilliant idea to use music. We each picked out some of our favorite Christmas songs and will be counting down with festive tunes.

day 22. "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen" - MercyMe, The Christmas Sessions

I'm a sucker for Christmas carols in minor keys. I’m not sure why I’m drawn to the darker tone, because I’m always happy at Christmas. Maybe it's the weight of the tradition in the melody that hits me with Christmas emotion, but I feel so full when I hear this song (the strings/guitar combination and mashup with "Carol of the Bells" don’t hurt either). And I love that the lyrics have weight, telling the story of the shepherds and the truth of Christ's birth. Tidings of comfort and joy we love to share every season.

—Anna

God rest ye merry, gentlemen
Let nothing you dismay
Remember, Christ, our Savior
was born on Christmas day
to save us all from Satan's power
when we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father
a blessed Angel came,
and unto certain Shepherds
brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
the Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and

Joy to the world
For Christ the Lord has finally come
Let every heart receive the new born King
O come all of heaven and nature sing

Tidings of comfort and joy
Tidings of comfort and joy

O tidings of comfort and joy,
Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy