Advent Carol (Come Light of Christ) grew out of a longing to capture the quiet beauty of Advent—the time of waiting, hoping, and preparing for Christ’s coming. Each verse reflects one of the four Advent candles: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. As the candles are lit week by week, their growing light mirrors our journey from darkness toward the dawning brightness of Christ.

The lyrics trace that unfolding movement: a waiting world, a restless earth, a breaking morning, and finally, a new day where love is made flesh. The simple refrain—“Come, Light of Christ, our hearts renew, / Shine in the world, your promise is true”—is both prayer and proclamation, inviting Christ’s light to enter every heart and place.

The melody is based on the traditional English ballad “Scarborough Fair.” Its haunting, modal tune carries a gentle tension between yearning and hope—the same tension at the heart of Advent itself. Pairing this familiar folk melody with new words allows the listener to feel both the ache of waiting and the joy of promise fulfilled.

Advent has always been a season of “already and not yet”—Christ has come, yet we still wait for His coming again. My hope is that this song gives voice to that waiting: honest, hopeful, and full of light.

Advent Song (Light of the World)

Verse 1

The world lies waiting, silent and still,
Longing for all things made new;
Stirring with wonder, a glimmer awakens —
Light of hope, we wait for you.

Verse 2

The earth is restless, weary with strife,
Longing for peace born of you;
Your word of promise breaks through the darkness —
Light of peace, we wait for you.

Refrain:
Come, Light of Christ, our hearts renew,
Shine in the world, your promise is true.

Verse 3

Morning is near as joy starts to glow,
Darkness fades, your promise breaks through;
Hearts are awakened, your gospel is dawning —
Light of joy, we wait for you.

Refrain:
Come, Light of Christ, our hearts renew,
Shine in the world, your promise is true.

Verse 4

The new day dawns, your glory shines bright,
Love made flesh, our hearts made new;
Birthed in our midst, your presence is shining —
Light of love, we welcome you.

Final Refrain:
Come, Light of Christ, our hearts renew,
Shine in the world, your promise is true.

Light of love, we welcome you.

Lyrics & Arrangement: Kirstin Munchenberg (2025)