Sunday, December 17, 2023 – 3rd Sunday of Advent

The third Sunday of Advent is traditionally known as Gaudete Sunday. The day takes its name from the Latin word Gaudete (“Rejoice”), the first word of the Introit of this day’s mass: Gaudete in Domino semper (Rejoice in the Lord Alway, and again, I say rejoice…. Philippians 4:4-6). While we spent the first two weeks of Advent focused on Christ’s coming, the third week is one of joy and rejoicing in anticipation of Christ’s coming. In keeping with the theme, we light the pink candle of the Advent wreath and sing joyful music. Hymns today include “Hark a thrilling voice is sounding,” “Hark! the Glad Sound, “and “Rejoice! Rejoice Believers.” During the Ministration, the Chorale sings a 16^th century English motet on the Philippians passage.

The Magnificat (Latin for “My Soul Magnifies the Lord”) is a canticle taken directly from the Gospel according to Luke where it is spoken by Mary upon the occasion of her visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. It has been part of the liturgy of the church from the earliest of times. In our tradition, it is one of the appointed canticles for evening prayer along with the Song of Simeon (Nunc dimittis). Likewise, it is the appointed canticle both for today, the Third Sunday, and next week the Fourth Sunday of Advent when Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel who informs her that she will bear a son and his name will be Jesus. At the offertory, the Chorale sings the Magnificat, as set to music by the 20^th Century American composer Harold Friedell.

Sunday, December 10, 2023 – 2nd Sunday of Advent

Today, the Second Sunday of Advent, we hear words from both the prophet Isaiah and John the Baptist proclaiming the coming of Christ and the peace that he will bring. The first stanza of the Advent hymn that we sing during the ministration says it well:

Comfort, comfort ye my people,
speak of peace, thus saith our God;
comfort those who sit in darkness
mourning ‘neath their sorrow’s load.
Speak ye to Jerusalem
of the peace that waits for them;
tell her that her sins I cover,
and her warfare now is over.

The texts for today’s choral anthems are both taken from the Book of Isaiah. At the Offertory, we hear words from today’s appointed reading, “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,” in a familiar chorus from Handel’s Messiah. At the Ministration, we hear “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of them that bring good tidings” as set by English organist and composer Sir John Stainer. Stainer’s music was very popular and standard-bearer for church music during his day. He served several posts and colleges including serving as organist at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.

Continue your Advent journey with the Christmas on the Boulevard concert at 5pm, Saturday, December 16. The choirs along with ROCO Musicians offer carols of the season with plenty of opportunity for congregational participation. Come and invite your friends and neighbors.