A reflective instrumental arrangement inspired by a family Advent wedding, rooted in the timeless poetry of Christina Rossetti.
Prelude: A Calm, Comforting Christmas Melody
Love Came Down at Christmas has always been one of the most beautifully understated Christmas carols . Its melody is simple and sincere, perfect for when worship needs warmth, gentleness, or a sense of tender expectation.
In Advent 2021, this arrangement took on a deeply personal meaning. My niece asked me to play during her Advent wedding processional, and after searching for music that matched the tone of the service; hopeful, calm, reverent, Love Came Down at Christmas seemed like the perfect choice!
This new instrumental arrangement was recorded specially for their ceremony a modern, classical-guitar version shaped for a moment of stillness as she walked down the aisle. I usally play from the front, but this one was played behind the congregation due to covid regulations, and oddly seemed to add a little to focusing onthe processional.
This track now appears on a short KDMusic Christmas EP, alongside new guitar arrangements of Silent Night and A Wexford Carol, both recently recorded live for RTÉ One’s Advent Sunday worship broadcast.
The Story Behind the Carol: Christina Rossetti’s Gift to Advent
The words of Love Came Down at Christmas were written by Christina Rossetti (1830–1894), one of the finest devotional poets of the Victorian era.
Rossetti wrote with a rare simplicity — uncluttered, heartfelt, deeply theological without being heavy.
Her poetry often centred on themes of:
Christ’s incarnation
humility and majesty
the quiet wonder of God’s love
What makes this carol unique is that focus on love as the defining motive for the Incarnation:
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign…
It is a carol that doesn’t simply recount the nativity story -
it captures the meaning.
This emotional clarity is one reason the tune lends itself so well to instrumental arrangements. Even without lyrics, the melody carries the warmth of Rossetti’s poetry.
🎧 Listen / Use in Your Services
Love Came Down at Christmas – Classical Guitar Instrumental
CCLI: Public Domain (instrumental arrangement created by KDMusic)
Canonical URL: (paste your song page link here)
Perfect for:
Advent communion
Children’s carol services
Weddings
Christmas Eve services
Background instrumental for readings, livestream and recordings
For Worship Leaders
Best Use:
Advent, Christmas, children’s services, contemplative moments, preludes, weddings, communion, candlelight services.
Mood / Style:
Still, warm, gentle, reflective. Classical guitar. Suitable for small churches, livestreams, and traditional or contemporary worship.
Why It Works:
recognisable and simple melody
instantly creates a reflective mood
ideal when vocals are not needed
complements scripture readings on incarnation, humility, and love
sits beautifully under Advent candle lighting
Scripture Themes
Although instrumental, the piece aligns naturally with passages such as:
John 1:14 — “The Word became flesh…”
1 John 4:9–11 — God’s love made manifest
Luke 2 — Nativity
Romans 5:8 — God’s love demonstrated
Galatians 4:4–5 — In the fullness of time Christ came
The Christmas EP
This track forms part of a small KDMusic Christmas and Advent collection featuring:
Love Came Down at Christmas – Instrumental
Silent Night – New Guitar Arrangement
A Wexford Carol (Do Not Be Afraid) – Classical Guitar
Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence - Classical Guitar and Cello
Silent Night, Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence and A Wexford Carol were recorded for RTÉ One TV and featured in their upcoming Advent Sunday service broadcast — a lovely affirmation of their usefulness in congregational worship.
FAQ
Is this suitable for small congregations?
Yes — in fact, instrumental tracks work particularly well when musical resources are limited.
Can I use it in livestreams?
Yes. Instrumental Christmas pieces are ideal for online transitions and background underscoring.
Can this be used as wedding music?
Absolutely. The original arrangement was created for an Advent wedding, and the tone fits beautifully.
Do I need a CCLI report?
The text is in the public domain; instrumental use does not require reporting.