ADVENT-CHRISTMAS YEAR B

GENERAL INTRODUCTION
TO MUSIC FOR ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

The two halves of this lovely season pass so quickly, yet they are full of such rich images that give powerful expression to the message of God's coming among us.
Music planners need to approach the two parts of Advent-Christmas together, while taking care to respect the integrity of each part. The music of Advent should be characterized by a simplicity that gives way to building excitement and expectation. The music of Christmas should be full of jubilation in the face of God's presence in our ordinary flesh‑and‑blood existence, and our jubilation should continue through the entire season.
            Woven through the two halves of this season are major Marian feasts, particularly, in Advent, two celebrations important to the church in the Americas: the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception—the title under which Mary is the patroness of the United States—and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe—the title under which Mary is patroness of the Americas. And, of course, the new year begins with the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God—the ancient title that links Mary to the whole celebration of the incarnation. Be sure to plan appropriately for these feasts so that they are celebrated as part of the seasons in which they shine.

MUSIC FOR THE ENTRANCE RITE DURING ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS

The scriptures of the Advent Season call us both to urgent expectation and to patient waiting. As we enter into the liturgy of each Sunday of Advent, the music should help to prepare the hearts of the assembly to hear and respond to the powerful procla­mation of the Lord's coming.
            The gathering song might take the form of a litany, as in "Advent Gathering" (Cooney/Daigle, GIA). A song with a congrega­tional refrain, such as "Christ, Be Our Light" (OCP), might also be used, with the choir or cantor singing the verses. A sung version of Penitential Rite C would be appropriate throughout the Advent Season. John Schiavone's "Advent Wreath Service" (OCP) is an excellent choice.
If the Advent wreath will be lit during the liturgy, it should be done simply. The sense of expectation and preparation is heightened by a simpler than usual entrance rite. See the Book of Blessings for directions for the blessing and lighting of the Advent wreath at the Sunday liturgy.
The entrance rite of the Christmas Season should be filled with festive, joyful song. The Gloria is also sung on all the Sundays and feasts of Christmas. Use a sturdy musical version of the Gloria or a setting composed especially for this season.

OTHER MUSIC

The Gospel Acclamation and intercession response should be settings that are set aside for use only during Advent or Christ­mas time, melodies which evoke for the community the memory of years past and which become part of the fabric of the season.
During Advent try using simple chanted settings of the Euchar­istic Prayer acclamations, perhaps a simple Latin chant or Richard Proulx's "Missa Emmanuel" (GIA). The Eucharistic Prayer acclama­tions during the Christmas Season should be the community's stron­gest and most festive settings.
The litany for the breaking of bread (Agnus Dei) may include invocations which reflect the spirit of the season, such as "Jesus, hope of all" or "Jesus, Word made flesh."
Plan very carefully for the Communion song. The suggestions for each Sunday and feast contain a number of songs with refrains. Consider setting aside one or two of them for each season for the Communion procession. Good selections for Advent include Marty Haugen's "My Soul in Stillness Waits" or Bernard Huijber's deceptively powerful "Hold Me in Life." Many familiar Christmas songs have refrains and could be used for Communion, e.g., "The First Nowell" and "Angels We Have Heard on High." Search out the selections that are best for your community.
            NOTE: For the list of abbreviations for the various hymnals, song books, and publishers, see “Key to the Music Suggestions.”