Overview of the Advent Season

Transcription

1 Overview of the Advent Season With this Advent season, the Church s liturgical life moves into cycle A which is the year of the Gospel of Matthew. Matthew s Gospel begins with an unmistakable narrative about Jesus identity. Jesus is the Messiah, the son of David, the son of Abraham but, most importantly, the Son of God (8:29; 14:33). The Gospel concludes with another identifying statement with Jesus final words to His disciples, I am with you always, even to the end of time. (28:20b). Advent is a three-fold season which celebrates the historical Jesus born over 2000 years ago, Christ s presence with us today through the celebration of the sacraments, and the anticipation of Christ s second coming. The Advent season is marked with a spirit of reconciliation, promise and hope. It is certainly a season of prayerful watch as we prepare ourselves to receive Christ in our lives. St. Louis Church, Waco Texas Photograph by Joan Wadino Advent begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown. Therefore, this year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 28, 2010 and concludes on Friday, December 24, The Christmas season then continues on through Jan. 9, 2011 with the celebration of the Baptism of the Lord.

2 Advent Art and Environment The liturgical color of the Advent season is purple. It is a blue-purple which is in contrast to the red-purple used for Lent. Purple is seen not only as a color which represents penance and fasting (Lent): it is also a color which expresses royalty as we welcome the Advent of our King. The use of the two different purples during the Advent and Lenten seasons show the connection between Christ s birth and death. The Incarnation can never be separated or isolated from Christ s suffering and death. The color rose is introduced in the Third of Week of Advent, Gaudete Sunday (meaning to rejoice). The rose colored candle on the Advent Wreath is lit and the presider may wear a rose colored vestment. It marks a shift from the more solemn tone of the first two Sundays of Advent to a more joyous atmosphere of anticipation. In planning the Church s environment, it is a good practice to keep it simple and uncluttered. Oftentimes, this is the most challenging lesson for those who fashion the environment. Create a space that is quiet, peaceful and prayerful. This is a welcome change to the hectic and chaotic pace of the secular Christmas season. Advent is a season filled with anticipation and hope. Allow the season to unfold naturally. Be open to adding a little something each week as we move closer to the fullness of Christmas and the Christmas season. The Advent Wreath should be of substantial size in proportion to the space. It should, by no means, overpower the presence of the Altar. Icons of the voices of the season (i.e. Isaiah, Mary, John the Baptist or Elizabeth) could be displayed. Use imagery such as a burning candle that symbolizes waiting and longing. Elevate the candles at different heights so as to add dimension and interest. Use soft fabrics that give to gentle folds. Add simple sprigs of greenery as signs of hope and growth. This year, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Dec. 12, falls on the Third Sunday of Advent. According to the U.S. Bishops, attention may be given to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The placement of her image in the liturgical space is appropriate: however, the parish celebration must be that of the Third Sunday of Advent.

3 Advent Wreath ACCORDING TO THE INTRODUCTORY NOTES FROM CHAPTER 47 OF THE BOOK OF BLESSINGS 1509 The use of the Advent Wreath is a traditional practice which has found its place in the Church as well as in the home. The blessing of an Advent Wreath takes place on the First Sunday of Advent or on the evening before the First Sunday of Advent. The blessing may be celebrated during Mass, a celebration of the word of God, or Evening Prayer Customarily the Advent Wreath is constructed of a circle of ever-green branches into which are inserted four candles. According to tradition, three of the candles are violet and the fourth is rose. However, four violet or white candles may also be used The candles represent the four weeks of Advent and the number of candles lighted each week corresponds to the number of the current week of Advent. The rose candle is lighted on the Third Sunday of Advent, also known as Gaudete Sunday If the Advent Wreath is to be used in church, it should be of sufficient size to be visible to the congregation. It may be suspended from the ceiling or placed on a stand. If it is placed in the presbyterium, it should not interfere with the celebration of the liturgy, nor should it obscure the altar, lectern, or chair When the Advent Wreath is used in church, on the Second and succeeding Sundays of Advent the candles are lighted either before Mass begins or immediately before the opening prayer; no additional rites or prayers are used When the blessing of the Advent Wreath is celebrated in the home, it is appropriate that it be blessed by a parent or another member of the family; the shorter rite may appropriately be used for this purpose When the Advent Wreath is used in the home, the opening prayer of the Sunday Mass is recited when the candles are lighted. The lighting of the candles may be preceded or followed by an Advent hymn and a Scripture reading. The lighting of the Advent Wreath may fittingly be included as a part of the evening meal The Advent Wreath may be blessed by a priest, deacon, or a lay minister. (taken from the Book of Blessing) Please consult chapter 47 for the Order for the Blessing of an Advent Wreath. ACCORDING TO BUILT OF LIVING STONES (#128) Objects such as the Advent Wreath, the Christmas crib, and other traditional seasonal appointments proportioned to the size of the space and to the other furnishings can enhance the prayer and understanding of the parish community.

4 Advent Music Just as the environment of the sacred space builds as the church moves closer to Christmas, so too can its music. When planning the music for the Advent season the first rule is to keep it simple! During Advent, Musical instruments should be used with moderation and should not anticipate the full joy of the Nativity of the Lord. (Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship, #114) A good rule of thumb in planning the music for the Advent season is not so much as to eliminate instruments but rather to use them in moderation. For instance, simplify the organ registrations and perhaps bring out more strings. Give the music a lighter feel. Consider singing familiar hymns like O Come, Emmanuel a capella. In a more contemporary setting, consider ways to soften the instruments in a noticeable way. The Gloria 148. 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. Always look to the Scripture readings when planning music. Liturgical music should take on the overtones of the readings. Remember that on the Third Sunday of Advent, the Scriptures speak of joy and a greater anticipation! Also, be aware of the Church calendar in the planning of the season and note the special solemnities that will need special attention.

5 The Proclamation of the Birth of Christ INTRODUCTION 1. The Roman Martyrology for Christmas day contains a formal announcement of the birth of Christ in the style of a proclamation. It begins with creation and relates the Birth of the Lord to the major events and personages of sacred and secular history. The particular events contained in the proclamation help to situate the birth of Jesus in the context of salvation history. 2. The Proclamation of the Birth of Christ may be sung or proclaimed after the greeting and introduction of the Christmas Midnight Mass. The Gloria and the opening prayer immediately follow the proclamation. 3. The Proclamation may also be sung or proclaimed at the Liturgy of the Hours. If it is used at Morning or Evening Prayer, it follows the introduction of the hour and precedes the hymn. When it is proclaimed during the Office of Readings, it precedes the Te Deum. 4. According to circumstances, the proclamation may be sung or recited at the ambo by a deacon, cantor, or reader. 5. After the greeting of the Mass, the celebrant or another minister may briefly introduce the Mass and The Proclamation of the Birth of Christ which follows, using these or similar words: Throughout the season of Advent, the Church has reflected on God s promises, so often spoken by the prophets, to send a savior to the people of Israel who would be Emmanuel, that is, God with us. In the fullness of time those promises were fulfilled. With hearts full of joy let us listen to the proclamation of our Savior s birth. 6. The deacon (or other minister) then proclaims the Birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. THE PROCLAMATION OF THE BIRTH OF CHRIST Today, the twenty fifth day of December, unknown ages from the time when God created the heavens and the earth and then formed man and woman in his own image. Several thousand years after the flood, when God made the rainbow shine forth as a sign of the covenant. Twenty one centuries from the time of Abraham and Sarah; thirteen centuries after Moses led the people of Israel out of Egypt. Eleven hundred years from the time of Ruth and the Judges; one thousand years from the anointing of David as king; in the sixty fifth week according to the prophecy of Daniel. In the one hundred and ninety fourth Olympiad; the seven hundred and fifty second year from the foundation of the city of Rome. The forty second year of the reign of Octavian Augustus; the whole world being at peace, Jesus Christ, eternal God and Son of the eternal Father, desiring to sanctify the world by his most merciful coming, being conceived by the Holy Spirit, and nine months having passed since his conception, was born in Bethlehem of Judea of the Virgin Mary. Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh.

6 Today is the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh. The Blessed Virgin Mary The Church honors Mary throughout the year but in an exemplary way for her role in the Incarnation during the Advent season. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION, Patroness of the United States: The solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on December 8. In 1854, Pope Pius IX's solemn declaration, Ineffabilis Deus, clarified with finality the long-held belief of the Church that Mary was conceived free from original sin. St. Mary Cathedral, Austin, Tx. Photograph by Joan Wadino OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE, Patroness of the Americas : The date assigned in the liturgical calendar for the celebration of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is December 12. This year the feast falls on the Third Sunday in Advent. The U.S. Bishops have put out a statement stating that on December 12, 2010, only the texts and readings of the Third Sunday of Advent (Year A) may be used. (according to the General Norms for the Liturgical Year Sunday). The Bishops did go on to say that while observing the Third Sunday of Advent, attention may be given to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The placement of her image in the liturgical space can call attention to this celebration. Intentions in the Prayer of the Faithful may appropriately include themes reflecting concern for unity in the Americas and may conclude with the collect customarily used for the Mass of Our Lady of Guadalupe. Processions in honor of Our Lady may take place as well. Many other local traditions, including the re-enactment of the story of the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe outside the liturgy may also enhance the celebration of the last week of the Advent season. In the Austin diocese, Bishop Vásquez is permitting the transfer of this Feast to take place in the local parish to Saturday, December 11 or Monday, December 13, This is in accord with the General Instruction of the Roman Missal.