Category Archives: Advent

The Armchair Liturgist Dims The Lights

Posted on 30 November 2014 by

Long before I arrived, my parish was accustomed to dimming the lights for the start of weekend Advent liturgies. It’s a custom I’ve felt disinclined to discontinue. Music for the introductory rites is always something for which people need no … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, The Armchair Liturgist | 1 Comment

Advent Music: My Soul In Stillness Waits

Posted on 15 December 2013 by

I mentioned this song ten years ago today. I mentioned then that I wish Marty Haugen had set or adapted all of the O Antiphons instead of just four of them. The piece is well over thirty years old now, … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Liturgical Music | Tagged , | Leave a comment

WoC: The Saint Nicholas Perspective

Posted on 6 December 2013 by

It’s the 6th of December and it’s the feast day of one of our favorite seasonal saints. I listened to a few more holiday stations while transporting the young miss to school today. This week’s radio count now stands at … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Commentary, Music, Politics | Leave a comment

Checking Up On Secular Christmas

Posted on 4 December 2013 by

I haven’t been in the car much this week, but I did hear five Christmas songs on the way to lunch with my wife the other day. The Lord was mentioned explicitly in two of them. So the Jesus percentage … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Music | Leave a comment

Advent Music: E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come

Posted on 30 November 2013 by

If I were still directing an active ensemble of musicians and singers, I’d really want to program E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come. When I first heard this piece arranged and performed by the Modern Mandolin Quartet, I assumed it … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Music | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Advent Lectionary: Luke 1:78-79

Posted on 23 December 2012 by

Most Catholics that go to Mass on Christmas Eve are not going for the Mass for December 24th. Many of those who do will enjoy the end of Luke’s first chapter, the canticle of the priest Zechariah. I love the … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Scripture | 1 Comment

Advent Music: “Legends of St Nicholas”

Posted on 15 December 2012 by

I suppose I could have posted this a week ago Thursday. But the observance of Saint Nicholas is entwined with Advent and Christmas both, so I’m sure it’s not that much of a problem to suggest giving Anonymous 4 a … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Music | 2 Comments