***Thanks to all who entered. THE GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED and I have contacted the winners via email. ***
Candles flicker in the low morning light, filling the air with their familiar spice and warmth.
Coffee filled to the brim of my favorite-for-now mug scrounged from cupboards not mine is cradled in my hands as I will contentment to bubble up from the depths of the uncertainty filling my soul.
A hodgepodge of funky and varied Christmas decor adorns the walls and shelves and tabletops – fine and appreciated substitutes for our own treasures packed away in a crate halfway around the world.
And in the backdrop, music with warmth and charm and hope swirls and sways in the air making a house not our own feel like home.
The songs so drip with hope and expectation that it makes my soul ache.
We’ve been in a time of transition and waiting for longer than I care to admit, and the idea of leaning into the Advent season, which by its very nature is full of even more waiting, makes me bristle just a tad.
Yet my children dance and hum along and talk about how the words of these songs make them feel good inside. The Weight of the World – a song about how unable we are to carry our own burdens so we must carry it all to King Jesus in prayer -is the favorite of my eight year old daughter. My ten year old and five year old claim O Come, O Come Emmanuel as their favorite. They adore thinking about what it must have been like to know Jesus was going to come, but having no idea when. And in a strange way, it feels a bit like that in our day, does it not?
My kids have been through the ringer of transition and upheaval, and these songs are like a mother’s kiss to their hearts. They can relate to the ache of longing for God to show up, and they can shout with joy because He’s already here. And these songs bring a new joy to the waiting, and through music and word miraculous mystery of the gospel is magnified right before their eyes as they are ushered again and again to the throne of grace disguised as a manger.
Then we sing along to the Magnificat as we recognize that there is rejoicing to be done in the presence of the King. He has done great things for us and there are abundant mercies and gifts for which to be grateful! We have been rescued! He has done exactly what He has promised – and we are a part of those promises even today! What joy!!
The latest album from Rain for Roots, Waiting Songs, is beautiful, haunting and perfect for young hearts. Waiting Songs is
an album of Advent. These songs are about making time for waiting. The King is coming and He is already here. So we practice listening, quieting ourselves, celebrating, whispering good news, and yelling shouts of joy. In the Rain for Roots family, we practice most of all by singing to ourselves, to each other, and to our children about true things. He is coming — the Joy of Every Longing Heart. Our longing hearts. Grown ups and children; we are the same in this. Through these songs, may God call us closer into conversation with Himself while we wait and hope with expectation. He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.
Even though Rain for Roots composes their music in order to grow God’s truth in little hearts, it is anything but the typical kids’ songs style and sound. Their music is absolutely gorgeous, and at times I think I enjoy it more than my kids do! Waiting Songs is by far my favorite of all their albums, and I know you and your family will love it, too! (You’ll love it whether or not you have kiddos, I promise!)
I invite you to light your own candles, grab a soothing warm cup of cocoa and open your ears and hearts to these beautiful, rich songs. You can hear one of my favorite songs, Come Light Our Hearts, here.
Waiting Songs releases November 10, but today FIVE of you good folks can win your very own digital copy of Waiting Songs!
And ONE of you will walk away with an entire Rain for Roots library of CDs!!!
To enter, simply comment on this blog post and tell me what your favorite thing about the Advent season is. Want extra entries? Share this post on Twitter, Facebook and/or Pintrest. Simply leave a separate comment for each way you’ve shared. Entries close at midnight EST on Friday, November 13.
Want more Advent goodness? Join Rain for Roots for a live, online streaming concert on December 4! It’s only $3 per household! Get your concert tickets here.
*Disclaimer: I was given a copy of the album, Waiting Songs, for the purposes of this review, but the opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Comments 48
Can’t wait to hear this music! I love all the preparation during Advent
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We love Rain for Roots and I am so excited about these Advent songs!
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My favorite parts of advent are lights and family devotions putting ornaments on our “three trees”. My girls have already asked me when we can start!
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I love the preparation advent does for my heart-constantly focusing me back to the real reason for celebration.
My favorite parts of this season are the quiet moments amid the hustle. I love the dark nights and time of reflection (and hot chocolate!).
I am so excited for this album! We have the first two and listen to them all the time – not just the kids love them, but my husband and I as well.
My favorite thing about the Advent season? The deep joy and anticipation – as good as it is now, the best is yet to come!
What I love about advent is the way it prepares me for a true celebration-not just on December 25th, but for a heavenly celebration.
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Author
Hey, Megan! I tried to email you but it got sent back to me. You won a digital copy of Waiting Songs!! Please email me at mrsdeibel at hotmail dot com so I can send your correct email address to Rain for Roots for your prize!
Author
Nevermind, I had it typed in wrong. 🙂
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My favorite thing is the expectation; teaching my kids that the waiting for presents mirrors God’s people waiting for Christ way back then and again now.
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I love the anticipation that builds each week during Advent as we read passages and light candles together as a family. And then the joy of the celebration of the Savior’s arrival. Such a sweet time and I’m excited to add this album to our celebrations.
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I love seeing Jesus’ story through all of the Bible. I made Jesse Tree ornaments a few years ago for my kids, and we love to use them as our advent calendar.
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I love how every Advent season feels a bit different depending on the season of life I’m in. There is always a longing for something better, more something more.
I love the expectation and remembrance that it is Jesus who drew near to us, and became God With Us!
I love listening to carols in advent (& other Christmas songs – would love to add these to the collection!) It helps me to focus on the majesty (“a thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious dawn…”) and the humility (“O little child of Bethlehem…”) of Jesus.
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I also love the “Walk to Bethlehem” that local churches put on – a theatrical narrative of the Christmas story, complete with animals. I can’t wait for my baby girl to grow a bit more so that I can share this season with her!
I love sitting by the fire with hot chocolate and my family!
My favorite part of Advent season is the beautiful memories that are made each year when reflecting on each day leading up to Christmas Day.
I love the memories that are made reflecting on each day leading up to Christmas Day!
My favorite party of Advent is anticipation.
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My favorite thing is rekindling the traditions from my family during Advent (Movies, Christmas shows, looking at lights, etc.), decorating our house while music plays and cider cooks on the stove, and lighting our advent candle as we teach our children about the long expected Messiah.
I will be ordering this either way eventually I hope, we love Rain for Roots. This sounds incredible. I love so much about the Advent season but especially love the focus it brings to our family about the longing for His return to make all things whole again. Such a bittersweet time for those of us waiting for our bridegroom surrounded by such sorrow and brokenness.
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My favorite thing about Advent is teaching my young kids (5, 3, 6 months) why we celebrate Christmas. They have such a wonder and excitement about the season – it is contagious! I love all the fun family activities that take place leading up to Christmas, too.
Advent is the season of anticipated hope. It’s pentential as we prepare our hearts to receive Christ but not so much as lent that you cover yourself with ashes. Advent is about remembering the first Advent of Christ and preparing ourselves for his second Advent.
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I love the anticipation and the memories.
I love how the Lord took something I loved before I knew Him, and turned it into something infinitely better!
The way Christmas lights look at night surrounded by the soft glow of snow, the wonderful music, sharing meals and endless cookies, time with family, and the making and remembering of memories. The best part about all of these is that our eternal hope lets us enjoy each moment no matter how fleeting.
The way Christmas lights look at night surrounded by the soft glow of snow, the wonderful music, sharing meals and endless cookies, and the making and remembering of memories. The best part of all of these is that our eternal hope lets us enjoy each moment no matter how fleeting.
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During Advent, I love having an Advent wreath. It helps me to put the focus on each week of Advent, not just the craziness of the season.
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I love sharing the reason for Christmas and Easter.
This would be great for the new addition to our family. :O)
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