Music During Advent
One of the questions often heard at this time of year is, "Why aren't we singing Christmas songs?" The answer is quite simple. Christmas is not here yet...the season of Advent is a time of spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ. During this time, the music, readings, prayers and homilies focus on this theme. Likewise, during Lent, we do not sing Easter songs. Also, as a penitential season, Advent calls for some care in the way the music of the season is done. "Sing to the Lord," the document published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, instructs us on how the liturgy is to be done. Regarding Advent the document says: "At other times, the litugical season calls for a certain musical restraint. In Advent, for example, musical instruments should be used with moderation and should not anticipate the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord". "Sing to the Lord" also has this to say about the Gloria¡ "The Gloria is a very ancient and venerable hymn in which the Church, gathered together in the Holy Spirit, glorifies and entreats God the Father and the Lamb. The text of this hymn may not be replaced by any other text...It is sung or said on Sundays outside the Seasons of Advent and Lent, on solemnities and feasts, and at special celebrations of a more solemn character." This is why the Gloria is not sung or said during Advent. The season of Christmas for Catholics begins on Christmas Day. While the culture of our country says differently, we maintain Advent as a time of preparation and the season of Christmas as the time of celebration. You will have the opportunity to sing your favorite Christmas hymns and carols on the weeks following Christmas.
