Sharings

Advent tone

In the ML folder on America Online, some of us had a discussion on Advent. A few comments are excerpted here. Thanks to Jim Pauwels of Arlington Heights, IL (JPauwels@aol.com) and Barbara Schepers of Kansas City, MO (Bschep@aol.com).

I'm looking for ideas to kick off the Advent Sunday liturgies. For the past four years, we've done something that I really don't care for.

Here's what we've been doing: we process to Marty Haugen's "Sing Out, Earth and Skies." After the procession reaches the sanctuary, the instrumentalists underscore a blessing read by the priest, followed by another sung refrain. Then the Advent candles are lit, again underscored by instrumentalists. Another refrain is sung and then the opening prayer is read, again underscored.

In the past I have sensed some confusion on the part of the assembly. I'm wondering if anyone has any other ideas?

— Jim Pauwels

Here's what I'd suggest. Begin in silence or with a simple oboe playing. The presider seats himself in the presider's chair — with no procession — just before the silence or the oboe begins. He waits for a long pause. Then, during the silence or oboe instrumental, an acolyte walks from the sacristy with a lit taper and lights the Advent candle(s).

The presider then ritually greets the assembly and calls for the Word. The incense bearer, cross bearer, and lectors process in to "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" (sung a cappella) or simply to the tolling of bells.

— Nick Wagner

Nick, I'd like to explore your ideas a little bit further. I think you would agree that the sprightly "Sing Out Earth and Skies" sets a very different tone from a single oboe, hand bells, or a cappella chant. This contrast in styles brings up a question that has been puzzling me for years: what is the appropriate tone, or posture, or demeanor, for Advent? Not penitence, surely? Or is penitence a large part of the larger feeling of anticipation and waiting? Or are you trying to set up Christmas decorating and "Gloria-ing" with four weeks of minimal trappings?

— Jim Pauwels

Well, color me purple, but I think there is a somewhat penitential tone to Advent. Maybe not penitential exactly, but something along the lines of "diligent preparation." It might be something like housecleaning to get ready for a family reunion. And if we plan to do any justice liturgically to the Christmas season, Advent has to be low-key.

— Nick Wagner

I agree to a point, but I would liken Advent preparation more to the same kind of work expectant parents go through in order to prepare for the birth of a child. The mother has to look at her lifestyle and her eating habits; the family has to physically move things around to make room for the new member. I have heard the words "I was not prepared" more than once from new parents as they held their newborn child. But they were not talking about the physical things they needed to do to get ready. They were talking about a deep, powerful, and hard-to-explain love they experienced for this new life. I think Advent is definitely a time of preparation, definitely a time of making room and opening our hearts to someone who is going to change our lives forever.

— Barbara Schepers

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