Category Archives: Advent

December Colors

Posted on 3 December 2017 by

One of the seasonal tussles of which we see less in some circles thanks to the war on the war on Christmas is over the proper colors for decorations. As most every Catholic knows, before December 24th evening the right … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas | 1 Comment

Merton on Human Ambiguity

Posted on 10 December 2016 by

In his time with us here at Catholic Sensibility, Neil had some real gems to offer. I still return to his posts occasionally. Sometimes they come up as I search through our archives. Scanning these on the occasion of Thomas Merton’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Saints, spirituality | Tagged | Leave a comment

Star Dawn

Posted on 5 December 2016 by

In a liturgy/music/astronomy/science fiction mash-up, I’d like to nominate Alan Hovhaness’ mini-symphony “Star Dawn” for your December listening experience. From the review at a tribute site for the composer: In this work evoking space travel, bells symbolize the stars, flowing … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Music, science fiction | Leave a comment

Exile Symphony

Posted on 1 December 2016 by

Some Advent music to consider, the First Symphony of Alan Hovhaness. The first movement is here by the Seattle Symphony, a more sympathetic recording than Leopold Stokowski’s 1942 version with the NBC Orchestra. From that link you can get to … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Music | 2 Comments

Advent, Always

Posted on 27 November 2016 by

The 20th century French Jesuit Jean Daniélou on this season: We live always during Advent. We are always waiting for the messiah to come. The messiah has come, but is not yet fully manifest. The messiah is not fully manifest … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, spirituality | Leave a comment

Mary/Christmas Mash-Ups

Posted on 13 December 2015 by

It’s holiday time. Mainstream religious (or spiritual) humanity can’t seem to get away from sweets, be it in the goodies we consume or the music we utilize (listening or singing). The Blessed Mother seems a particular target for treacle in … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent, Christmas, Music | 7 Comments

Advent Decorating

Posted on 4 December 2015 by

Discussion here on the clash of various Advent purples. Maybe part of the problem is trying to match up paraments and other such things with vestments. The only “requirement” for purple is for clergy wear. Not church decorations, necessarily. Having a … Continue reading →

Posted in Advent | 1 Comment