Liturgical Nerds » Advent

Music for Advent

expatminister — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 16:18:37 +0000

One of the ways into any season or occasion for me is through music. So I’ve put together a few items over the years that help describe what Advent means so I can better participate in this time. Here they are, with some help from family, friends, and tweeps (Twitter people) and a few notes. I pray they will help you remain in the spirit of preparation and expectancy this last few days before Christmas.

Prelude - December by George Winston [iTunes link]
I’ve loved Winston’s piano music for a long time, and this short episode from his December album captures the longing and quiet of Advent.

Canticle of the Turning - Safety Harbor by Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney & Theresa Donohoo [iTunes link]
This Canticle (“song” in Latin) reminds us that Advent is the time of year when God surprises us by turning the world right-side-up. A provocative thought for our complacent times.

Angelus ad Virginem - Christmas by the King’s Singers [iTunes link]
An amazing British a capella ensemble known for their wide-ranging and unparalleled interpretations, the King’s Singers establish a driving rhythmic beat as the angel appears to Mary, which then explodes into glorious choral harmony.

Wait for the Lord - Songs of Taize: My Soul is at Rest from the Taize Community [iTunes link]
Although described as a “dirge” (!) by one of my students, the drawn-out and ploddingly paced chant hauntingly evokes the emotional content of waiting on God’s salvation.

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus – hymn by Charles Wesley
A number of good recording exist of this text, usually set to the Welsh Hyfrydol tune. One of my favorite congregational Advent carols.

Turn Me On - Come Away With Me by Norah Jones [iTunes link]
An odd choice? Perhaps. But Jones perfectly evokes the attitude of anticipation, around which Advent revolves. A love song, if you will, to an intimate and desirous God.

O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Christmas by the King’s Singers [see link above]
Another common Advent carol, this one with an exquisite French melody and a text based on the “O Antiphons,” a set of 7 prayers invoking the coming of Christ in the successive nights before Christmas. The linked version, Veni Veni Emmanuel is sung in the original Latin.

Breath of Heaven - Home for Christmas by Amy Grant [iTunes link]
A perennial favorite in my family, the highlight of the album is Grant’s original song from Mary’s perspective. Revealing the struggle for faithfulness of a teenager at drift in a sea of others’ desires, “Breath of Heaven” weaves back and forth between minor and major, embracing at last the One who called her to play a pivotal role in Salvation.

Shine Your Light On Us - Give Yourself Away by Robbie Seay Band [iTunes link]
“O my God, shine your light on us/that we might live.” RSB caught my attention with this song when they played at Refresh ’08. The music is sophisticated and lyrics more compelling than almost any other contemporary Christian songwriters I’m familiar with.

Mary, Did You Know - Good News by Kathy Mattea [iTunes link]
Another song with a focus on Mary. This time, the series of questions heightens the emotional relationship between mother and son, and emphasizes the fragility of Jesus’ life both at his birth and at death.

Ave Maria - Schubert’s setting; from When My Heart Finds Christmas by Harry Connick, Jr [iTunes link]
The traditional Latin text was shoehorned into this Schubert tune to beautiful effect at some point a few hundred years ago. Harry’s spare rendering is exquisite; all the more so for the extended piano solo introduction.

Christmas is Coming - A Christmas Together by John Denver & The Muppets [iTunes link]
Just a quick, fun song in the English tradition…sung by Muppets. A good message to be generous with your alms to those who have less than you.

Esurientes - from John Rutter’s Magnificat [iTunes link]
This lyrical rendering of the Latin text of Mary’s poetic response to Gabriel’s visitation reassures the listener, much as it must have Mary, in the midst of the powerful upheavals and corrections vocalized as God’s work.

Christmas Day - Dido’s contribution to A Very Special Christmas, Vol 5 [iTunes link]
“I shall return, for you, my love/on Christmas Day” surfaces the allegorical interpretation I have for this ballad. In a world where lovers break promises, we wait for the One who fulfills all in the name of Love.

Song for the Hopeful - What A Night! by Harry Connick Jr & Kim Burrell [iTunes link]
If a major theme of Advent isn’t hope, then I don’t know what it is. The choir backup, gospel-jazz flavor, and evident good time all involved goes hand-in-hand with the encouraging lyrics.

Gabriel’s Message - Christmas Songs by Jars of Clay [iTunes link]
A Basque carol originally, “The Angel Gabriel” is popular in Britain but relatively unknown here. I especially love the imagery around Gabriel.

The End is Near - Matthew Clark [YouTube link]
Thanks to JD Walt for this link and song. It’s a great engagement with the apocalyptic flavor of Advent, which we far too often neglect in our shopping and partying.

Lo! He Comes With Clouds Descending – arranged by John Rutter for Sing, Ye Heavens [iTunes link]
A traditional hymn emphasizing the second coming of Christ. A plea for God to bring to fulfillment all that was ushered in with the coming of Christ the first time, and the final renewal of creation and humanity: “Christ the Lord returns to reign.”

White as Snow - No Line On the Horizon by U2 [iTunes link]
A contemporary carol loosely based on Veni Veni Emmanuel, its poetry challenging to mine for meaning. I particularly like the imagery of the straight and flattened highway…

On Jordan’s Banks the Baptist’s Cry - sung by St Edmondsbury Cathedral Choir on From Advent to Candlemass [iTunes link]
Another traditional carol, this time focusing on that oft-ignored messenger of the Message, John the Baptizer. I particularly like the imagery of health and wholeness that speaks to so many of us in the winter months.

Wake, Awake, For Night Is Flying - On Jordan’s Banks by John Michael McCluney [iTunes link]
Have you ever stood on the battlements of a castle, or atop a city wall? I can’t imagine what it would have been like to keep watch night after long and lonely night. Yet we are called to cast off our slumber and stay awake for the miraculous and life-giving gift of Christmas!

All Who Are Thirsty - Strong Tower by Kutlass [iTunes link]
Maranatha: Come, Lord Jesus. The ancient prayer finds a driving beat as Kutlass sing their version of this praise-and-worship anthem.

Stay - Zooropa by U2 [iTunes link]
On a somewhat bizarre album, this song anchors the fear, hope, and nonsense that permeates our world. It captures the now-and-not-yet-ness that Advent means with all the complexity and humanity it can grasp.

Tomorrow - October by U2 [iTunes link]
U2 get downright Christological on their 2nd album, as they call for the advent of Christ: “Who heals the wounds? Who heals the scars?…Jesus is coming…”

Prince of Darkness - Indigo Girls on their eponymous album [iTunes link]
My favorite song on my favorite album of theirs, with lyrics that transgress the boundary between light and dark again and again. It expresses both the pain and heartbreak of the world today as well as the hope for a loving Parent who can set all things right…and the need to “reject evil, injustice, and oppression in whatever forms they present themselves”…the first step to becoming an Advent people.

Thanks to Christian Scharen for the U2 recommendations and Joseph Matthews for some other suggestions. A related list is available from Bruce Reyes-Chow on the theme of “Hope.”

Turning Things Around!

spiritstirrer — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:57:15 +0000

By now we are probably tired of waiting . . . we’ve waited and waited and then waited some more. There are times when we have waited so long that we have forgotten what we have been waiting for. Everyday life sets in and that for which we long goes to the back of our minds, our longing still there.

I’m sure it was the same with Mary. Young peasant girl, far removed from the centers of power, easily ignored by most. The promise of salvation was for her too, but her people had waited a while and most had forgotten the promise. The angel comes in to remind and to ask if she wanted to be part of God’s promise. Surprised she says yes! She “believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” (Luke 1:45)

To many she would have been an unusual choice, young, unmarried, powerless. The whole affair a sure scandal, not the way you would want a savior to come. Yet that’s what God chose and that’s what sets this event apart for the ages. The act itself is a turning of the status quo, of the values that this waiting community had settled for, of the ideas of power.

This young woman recognizes this “turning of events.” Songwriter Rory Cooney in Canticle of the Turning (iTunes link) interprets it like this:

The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn,
there are tables spread,
ev’ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn.

The salvation that has been promised is one that will turn the world upside down. Here we remember the mountains brought down, the valleys filled up, and the crooked ways made straight. We also remember the cosmic groaning of creation for a new day and the need for our turning around to be fruit bearing.

We normally do not associate Christmas with turning. In fact most of the time we think of Christmas as repetition, songs are sung, food is eaten, family gathers, gifts are exchanged. All of these things speak, not of turning, but of sameness.

Mary’s song of praise, of prophesy, of remembrance, bring us to reality. It reminds us that this coming is meant for the renewal/redemption/salvation of the world. And that we, each of us, is called to become the bearers of salvation, the agents of this turning for all of creation.

Maybe we too have forgotten what we are waiting for . . . maybe we too have settled into a way of life. God has not forgotten. The promise of our redemption has been fulfilled, the way has been prepared. As we near the time of celebration let us remember the radical nature of Christ’s coming in the world. More importantly let us be attentive to the re-birth of Christ in each of us, of the invading presence of the Holy Spirit that pushes us into the dangerous territory of Kingdom work.

Only then can we join in Mary’s song:

My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

. . . . only then are we ready for the savior!

On-Time Arrival

expatminister — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 03:31:53 +0000

Growing up, I was fortunate that my father didn’t have to travel much. But when he did, we would go to the airport and walk him to the gate (which you could do in those days) and watch him get on board the plane. And we’d be disappointed and sad…until we came back a few days later to pick him up. While we excitedly waited, we would watch the airplanes take off and land, and we just waited for the best one of all—the one that had Dad on board.

I think about those memories at that this time of year because Advent means “coming”…or as I like to think, “arrival.” Watching those airplanes take off and land was a sight to behold. When we watched the space shuttle land on TV, we would always marvel at the “flying brick,” and then breathe a sigh of relief because the astronauts were safely home. The best arrivals are the ones you’ve been waiting for—and that carry a cargo of love.

So as we draw ever closer to the mysteriously wonderful celebration of Christmas Eve—for what arrival are you waiting? Is it the closeness of family and friends? The lights on trees and houses? The cold breath of winter? The rush and fury of packages being opened? A day where illness or pain might be put aside? The return of a loved one?

One of my favorite Advent readings is from Isaiah 64:1 “O that you would tear open the heavens and come down!” The prophet is eagerly, impatiently, passionately pleading with God to arrive, to be on the move, to get going, to turn the world right-side-up again. He knows things aren’t as they should be…and trusts that God, infinitely good and compassionate, can and will make it right.

It isn’t easy to trust God that much. But I continue to trust that God’s arrival—in Bethlehem, in our hearts today, and in the time to come—will be shown to be right on time.

Observe Advent (Day 13): Fasting

expatminister — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 15:26:03 +0000

For most of the preceding centuries, fasting was an important part of Christian life and faith. Recognizing that ultimate goodness is found in God, not in satisfying bodily desires — and that consumption is not a significant mode of spiritual life in God. It was recognized as an important component of

Fasting was one of the handful of lifegiving spiritual practices named “means of grace” by John Wesley, and has recently regained some visibility in many parts of the Body of Christ. Advent’s original intention, as a time of preparation for the coming of Christ again, was a time of penitence and repentance.

I’m not suggesting we should break out self-flagellation and bodily abuse…but it would be beneficial to our spiritual lives and our common witness if we could somehow refrain from the decadence and consumption that marks too much of our preparations for Christmas Day. So let’s exercise some self-restraint (Fridays were universally recognized as a day of fasting) and refuse to shop–if not today, some day during Advent. Don’t go to the store. Don’t buy. Or spend a meal time in prayer, instead of feasting. Use the money to feed someone who otherwise wouldn’t eat. And understand that Christmas is not about receiving, but giving!

Observe Advent (Day 12): Clean

expatminister — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 22:06:22 +0000

“Purge me with hyssop and I shall be clean;
wash me and I shall be whiter than snow.” (Psalm 51:8)

When we speak of becoming clean, it’s generally an allegory of God’s actions in removing sinfulness from our lives. Today, let’s reflect on purity and cleanliness by actually practicing it!

So grab a vacuum, mop, or leaf-blower and get to work around the house. Maybe some cars at your office need an impromptu cleaning–a bucket, soap, and some rags would go a long way towards an anonymous holiday gift of a clean car. Or do some laundry. Throw your own clothes in the washer, volunteer to help clean things that are being donated to a thrift store or distribution center…or try this. Head to a laundromat, spy someone who might be in need of a surprise, and arrange to pay for their washing & drying, on the down-low.

Cleanliness isn’t just about how white our linens are, or how to remove soil and stain from what we wear…if we can’t help our neighbors, then are we truly pure?

Observe Advent (Day 11): New

expatminister — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 05:17:19 +0000

See, the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare; before they spring forth, I tell you of them…I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? (Isaiah 42:9, 43:19)

So, I got a bagel today with strawberry creme cheese on.

You need to understand that’s a big step for me. While I like strawberries themselves, I generally don’t go in for strawberry-flavored things: ixnay on the strawberry ice cream, soda, frosting, etc.

But today, I said yes to the strawberriness. Because even though I have refused to let it pass my lips for…well…decades, it was for no good reason.

Sometimes our fear of doing something new has everything to do with getting out of our old patterns of behavior and into a place where we believe something new can happen. Advent calls us out of the deathly ways of doing things and into new life and faith.

And when I smother my bagel tomorrow with strawberry cream cheese, I might even eat it!

Observe Advent (Day 10): Silence

expatminister — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:33:25 +0000

Silence is necessary in order to hear God speak: for Abraham and Moses, Hannah and Deborah; for Zechariah and Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph. Today, turn off the music, slow down, quiet your heart and mind…and keep silence.

Observe Advent (Day 9): Poetry

expatminister — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 16:31:57 +0000

The best theology, the most refined reflections, the deepest piety, the most soaring praise — these all have an element of the poetic in them. If you don’t understand or can’t love poetry, then reading the Bible must be drudgery. Hear, then, three seasonal poems on the theme of the Incarnation. First, Christina Rossetti’s 1872 “In the Bleak Midwinter,” now set to music as a popular Christmas carol (though, sadly, with much of the deep theological content excised in most renditions).

In the bleak mid-winter
Frosty wind made moan,
Earth stood hard as iron,
Water like a stone;
Snow had fallen, snow on snow,
Snow on snow,
In the bleak mid-winter
Long ago.

Our God, Heaven cannot hold Him
Nor earth sustain;
Heaven and earth shall flee away
When He comes to reign:
In the bleak mid-winter
A stable-place sufficed
The Lord God Almighty,
Jesus Christ.

Enough for Him, whom cherubim
Worship night and day,
A breastful of milk
And a mangerful of hay;
Enough for Him, whom angels
Fall down before,
The ox and ass and camel
Which adore.

Angels and archangels
May have gathered there,
Cherubim and seraphim
Thronged the air,
But only His mother
In her maiden bliss,
Worshipped the Beloved
With a kiss.

What can I give Him,
Poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd
I would bring a lamb,
If I were a wise man
I would do my part,
Yet what I can I give Him,
Give my heart.

Next, from across the pond, R S Thomas, the Welsh priest and poet, holds us in his gaze with “The Coming” (1978).

And God held in his hand
a small globe. Look he said.
The son looked. Far off,
as through water, he saw
a scorched land of fierce
colour. The light burned
there; crusted buildings
cast their shadows: a bright
serpent, a river
uncoiled itself, radiant
with slime.
On a bare
hill a bare tree saddened
the sky. Many people
held out their thin arms
to it, as though waiting
for a vanished April
to return to its crossed
boughs. The son watched
them. Let me go there, he said.

Finally, the haunting “Bethlehem Down.” Composed by Bruce Blunt and set in a haunting choral melody by Philip Arnold Heseltine, and submitted for the Daily Telegraph’s annual carol contest in 1927 (to finance a night-long drinking bout, no less). Needless to say, it won. (Download the song from iTunes)

“When he is King we will give him the Kings’ gifts,

Myrrh for its sweetness, and gold for a crown,

Beautiful robes,” said the young girl to Joseph,

Fair with her first-born on Bethlehem Down.

Bethlehem Down is full of the starlight —

Winds for the spices, and stars for the gold,

Mary for sleep, and for lullaby music

Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.

When he is King they will clothe him in grave-sheets,

Myrrh for embalming, and wood for a crown,

He that lies now in the white arms of Mary,

Sleeping so lightly on Bethlehem Down.

Here he has peace and a short while for dreaming,

Close-huddled oxen to keep him from cold,

Mary for love, and for lullaby music

Songs of a shepherd by Bethlehem fold.

Observe Advent (Day 8): Advent Wreath

expatminister — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 05:06:27 +0000

Perhaps the most recognizable Advent tradition is the Advent Wreath: greenery and four blue or purple candles ringing a central white candle that isn’t lit until Christmas Eve or Day. Often, the four candles/Sundays are identified with themes like love, hope, joy, and peace or prophets, shepherds, angels, and Mary.

It’s a wonderful tradition that you can participate in at home as well as in church as you count down the weeks until the Feast of the Nativity. Some families light candles each night with a scripture reading or song and a brief reflection–at the very least you could gather around each Sunday after lunch or at nightfall.

The Jesus Creed blog from Scot McKnight has some great liturgies that can be adapted weekly at church or home.

Observe Advent (Day 7): Decorate

expatminister — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:32:09 +0000

One of the best memories I have from childhood is of preparing for Christmas throughout the house. My family would make a big deal out of getting the Christmas tree from the box, dragging all the lights and ornaments out of the top of a closet, setting out nativity sets, and putting lights on the outside (some years!).

At church, things were no different — the Hanging of the Greens service the first Sunday night of Advent was hands-down my favorite of the whole year. The sanctuary was filled with greenery, the Christmas creche put into place, and symbols of expectation and Christ were prominently displayed, accompanied by carol-singing and Scripture-reading and a festive party.

If Advent is a time of preparation, we can spend the whole season making things ready, and that includes outward decorations that indicate our inward state. Candles and lights, trees and wreaths — they all have something to teach us and our families and friends if only we take the time to do it right. So spend some time today not just hanging something up or setting it out, but talking about its significance with the kids or neighbors, and be sure to decorate your interior space as richly as we do our trees and homes.