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When planning music, always look to the Scripture readings. Liturgical music should take on the overtones of the readings. On the first two Sundays of Advent, the songs should focus on the risen Christ returning in glory at the end of time, since this is the focus of the readings during the first two weeks. However, during the final two weeks of Advent, the hymns and anthems should focus on the coming of the newborn Jesus, in accordance with the readings.
The following are a few planning resources that might be helpful as you prepare for the season. They all provide hymn and anthem suggestions, as well as insightful information for the season.
NPM Planning calendar:
View summaries of each liturgical season's meaning and focus, scripture summaries for each liturgical date, and music suggestions for each of those dates. These resources will assist you in planning the liturgical music at your parish, as well as offer a better understanding of the meaning of each Sunday (or Solemnity/Feast) celebration.
NOTE: This resource is available to Standard and Premium members only. To sign up for membership visit:
www.npm.org. -
Remember that these planning resources offer suggestions and not final choices. We highly encourage you to combine those suggestions with your own criteria (based on the readings) when selecting music.
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- Advent Music from GIA
- Advent Wreath Service by John Schiavone (OCP)
- The O Antiphons of Advent (USCCB)
- Jesse Tree (GIA)
- Advent Song and Paraliturgies for Children by Dennis Newman
- 24 Cantos de Adviento y Navidad by Carmelo Erdozain
- Psalms for the Advent Season (WLP) by Rev. Chrysogonus Waddell, OCSO
- Seven Communion Chants for the Advent and Christmas Season (WLP) by Charles Thatcher
- The Advent of Our God (OCP) by James Hansen (This service for the Advent season contains easy SAB arrangements of traditional Advent carols and psalm settings, along with readings, assembly parts, optional percussion and piano overture.)
- Within Our Hearts Be Born (OCP)
- The Michael Joncas Hymnary: Advent and Christmas by Michael Joncas
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Advent Lessons and CarolsThe Festival of Lessons and Carols is very common among parishes during the Advent Season. This service originated in the Church of England during the 19th century, and involves nine Scripture readings (lessons), followed by a carol and a prayer. Please visit this link to find out more about the Advent Festival of Lessons and Carols.
One of the most famous festivals of Lessons and Carols takes place every year at King’s College in Cambridge, UK. Please visit this website for more information about their Festival and the history behind this service.