Music for Advent: 8 Sacred Harp Arrangements for a Season of Hope
Advent invites us into a season of waiting, reflection, and hope. As the days grow shorter and Christmas approaches, traditional hymns and carols offer a lovely way to bring a little stillness into our homes and our music-making.
I've gathered eight sacred harp arrangements that capture different shades of the season—from the longing of O Come, O Come Emmanuel to the wonder and celebration of O Holy Night. Some are traditional Advent hymns; others are Christmas carols whose messages of comfort, peace, and anticipation make them a beautiful part of the journey toward Christmas.
The sheet music ranges from elementary to late intermediate, and all eight arrangements are written for large harps with at least 34 strings. Enjoy listening to the performances, or choose a favourite to learn and play during the season.
1. O Come, O Come Emmanuel
Advent begins with longing and hope, and few hymns express that feeling more beautifully than O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Its haunting melody invites us to slow down, listen, and reflect on the promise of Christmas. This expressive arrangement makes a moving opening to an Advent programme.
Level: Late Intermediate
View sheet music for O Come, O Come Emmanuel
2. Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence / St. Basil's Hymn
Reverence and stillness are at the heart of Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. Paired with St. Basil's Hymn, this arrangement has a timeless, contemplative quality. It is also the most accessible selection in this collection for elementary players.
Level: Elementary
View sheet music for Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence / St. Basil's Hymn
3. I Wonder as I Wander
With its thoughtful melody and quiet sense of awe, I Wonder as I Wander gives us space to ponder the Christmas story. The gentle, reflective mood suits a peaceful Advent evening or a moment of personal reflection.
Level: Mid-Intermediate
View sheet music for I Wonder as I Wander
4. What Child Is This
Set to the familiar melody of Greensleeves, What Child Is This turns our attention toward the wonder of the Nativity. Its flowing phrases feel especially natural on the harp, making it a lovely choice for a reflective seasonal programme.
Level: Mid-Intermediate
View sheet music for What Child Is This
5. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen & Sing We Now of Christmas
Advent is a season of hope as well as quiet waiting. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen brings a reassuring message of comfort and joy, while Sing We Now of Christmas adds a more celebratory spirit. This medley offers a welcome change of energy among the quieter selections.
Level: Mid-Intermediate
View sheet music for God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen & Sing We Now of Christmas
6. In the Bleak Midwinter & The First Noel
Two beloved carols come together in an arrangement full of winter stillness and Christmas wonder. In the Bleak Midwinter creates an intimate, thoughtful atmosphere, while The First Noel carries us closer to the joy of the Christmas story.
Level: Early Intermediate
View sheet music for In the Bleak Midwinter & The First Noel
7. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
The peaceful message of It Came Upon a Midnight Clear feels especially welcome during the busy weeks before Christmas. This early intermediate arrangement offers an opportunity to shape a familiar carol with warmth and expression.
If you are learning it, I also have a short harp mini-lesson to help you along.
Level: Early Intermediate
View sheet music for It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
8. O Holy Night
As Advent draws toward Christmas, O Holy Night brings a sense of awe and celebration. Its soaring melody gives late intermediate harp players a wonderfully expressive conclusion to this collection—a musical moment that looks ahead to Christmas Eve.
Level: Late Intermediate
View sheet music for O Holy Night
Find a Moment of Stillness This Advent
Whether you are preparing music for a church service, playing for family and friends, or simply enjoying a quiet moment at your harp, I hope these arrangements bring a sense of peace and meaning to the season.
You might enjoy learning one new piece, revisiting a familiar carol, or listening through the videos as a little musical Advent tradition.
Wishing you a peaceful season of music, reflection, and hope.
