The Eastern Orthodox tradition describes the season of Lent as a “Bright Sadness.” As a community we picked up on this theme and with some inspiration from Robert Lowry and Nick Cave spent some time songwriting together - this is one of the songs which emerged from what was a slightly crazy all-age creative space!

The space in-between Good Friday and Easter Sunday perhaps bests describes our human condition. This song seeks to capture something of what it means to wait for tomorrow.

O Holy Night

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘Written over 150 years ago, this song reminds me that I’m part of a song that has been sung throughout the ages and of the choice to rejoice among the reality of everyday life. ‘A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices’ seems very apt for our times’

Joyful joyful

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘From what can be seen as a slightly dour tune from Beethoven (!), I love the light and brightness of this song, a picture of the universe continually celebrating its Maker and God getting caught up in all the excitement of it all!’

99 Luftballons | Nena

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘I love this song (in the German version) ... not sure what else to say about it, it's just a great tune and I love singing in other languages!’

Driving Home for Christmas | Chris Rea

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘I know it's not the case for everyone, but (despite my own family quirks!) driving to see family at Christmas always feels like coming home. It's very comforting, safe and joyful to be in the company of family where I don't need to try to fit in, I can just relax and be wholly myself with people around me who I know love me unconditionally and who I love likewise’

Investigate | Delirious

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘This brings me such joy because it contains my favourite guitar solo of all time!’

Who Comes This Night | James Taylor

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘I can’t listen to this song without smiling because it highlights that the Christmas story models for us how Jesus arrived as a stranger and other characters – Joseph, wise men, children, shepherds etc (and now us) are those who ‘host’ Jesus’ arrival’

Selah - Kanye West

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘This song gives me something to look forward to despite the hardships I face, of not being held back by them because I know where I’m going’

Magnificent | U2

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘A modern day magnificat written by someone reflecting on the preciousness of life after they had almost died who knows their calling is to magnify the Lord through singing their song’

Graves into gardens | Elevation Worship

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘This song speaks about how powerful and strong God is and what He can do, it reminds me that God is in control and can resolve anything I bring to him’

Nessun Dorma | Turandot, Act 3, Puccini

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘Choosing two songs is almost impossible! But today, this was one - just allow your spirit to soar with the incredible vocal!’

O Holy Night | Nina Nesbitt

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘I love this song because it taps into a deeper sense of joy and peace. It’s not in your face ‘happy clappy’ but it reaches that quiet, deep place where authentic joy is found’

The Big Wide | Hope and Social

https://youtu.be/MRynhCLq71E

‘It’s a song, I think, about creating a space in our frantic, consumer driven culture to imagine, reimagine and to dream out loud. It fills me with joy and hope and makes me want to sing and dance in the dark’

The Advent of our God | The Source

https://youtu.be/auVwYMmagqY

‘Inspired by the poetry of John 1 in the bible, this song is featured on our first Source EP and can be found on our website. It speaks of an active waiting, of us preparing a place for God to reign in our lives - ‘joy to the world at his return, all praise and glory to the King!’

Carry Me | Need to Breathe

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘This song conveys the promise that God hears our prayers and can carry us when we are weak. Thank you Jesus!’

Thirty Seconds to Mars | Kings and Queens

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘This song makes me wish I was a little drummer boy!’

Resurrection Day | Rend Collective

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘This song fills me with hope for tomorrow, reminding me of God’s ability to transform and help me overcome my past because of what has already been accomplished.’

Source Songs Advent Calendar | Day 8

Don’t you worry child | Swedish House Mafia

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ANGNX8Zf86dBqwy2FN7eH...

‘This song reminds me of the simple truth that I have a purpose and it makes me want to dance!’