Advent Lessons and Carols: A Journey Through Salvation History

By James Kennerley, Music Minister

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)

Despite the early arrival of Christmas decorations and music in November—and sometimes even October—Christmas doesn’t officially begin in the Church until midnight on December 25. The Christmas season continues until Twelfth Night on January 6, or in some traditions, until February 2, the Feast of Candlemas, when Mary presents Jesus in the Temple.

Before Christmas, the Church observes Advent, a penitential season marked by reflection and preparation. The name comes from Latin adventus (“coming” or “arrival”), translating the New Testament Greek term parousia, which originally referred to the Second Coming. As a musician and liturgist, Advent is by far my favorite time of year!

Advent is the beginning of the church year. Guided by the lectionary and centuries of liturgical tradition (at least 1500 years), we are led from darkness to light, from sin to salvation. Visually, you will notice that the liturgical colors shift from the green or white of Ordinary Time to the purple or blue of anticipation and penitence.

The Advent wreath, with its four candles representing the four Sundays of the season, is gradually lit each week. The Gloria in excelsis (“Glory to God in the highest”) is omitted, replaced by a simpler Song of Praise, as the focus turns to themes like the creation of the world, the Holy Family, and the Old Testament prophecies about the Savior’s birth.

The First Sunday of Advent: The readings set the tone for the Advent season, emphasizing themes of anticipation, vigilance, and eschatology (the ultimate destiny of humankind). The Gospel looks ahead to Christ's Second Coming, inviting reflection on the hope of salvation.

The hymns include “Hark! A thrilling voice is sounding,” “Sleepers, wake!” “A voice astounds us,” and the choir sings Felix Mendelssohn’s “How lovely are the messengers,” which commemorates those who “preach the Gospel of peace.” The first Advent candle, sometimes known as the candle of hope, is lit.

The Second Sunday of Advent: The focus shifts to John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, who calls people to prepare the way for the Lord. The readings highlight the themes of repentance, preparation, and the fulfillment of God’s promises.

At Saint Mary’s, we will present a service of Advent Lessons and Carols. Far from being an ancient tradition, the traditional service of nine lessons and carols began life in 1880. At this time, Christmas carols were sung by choirs who would go from doorstep to doorstep, a practice replicated in a great many Christmas movies! The mediation of words and music is an incredibly powerful focus for our spiritual journey through Advent.

The Third Sunday of Advent: Known as “Gaudete Sunday” (from the words from Philippians traditionally chanted by the choir at the beginning: “Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I say, rejoice!”), the focus shifts slightly from penitence to rejoicing as we near the fulfillment of God’s promises in the birth of Christ.

The third candle of the Advent wreath (traditionally rose-colored) is lit. Rose vestments may also be worn, marking a lighter, celebratory tone in the midst of Advent's penitential character. At the Offertory, the choir sings “Salvation is Created” (Спасение сотворил еси), one of the most famous choral works by Pavel Chesnokov (1877–1944), a Russian composer, conductor, and choral master. This piece holds a special place in the repertoire of sacred choral music, celebrated for its profound spiritual depth and serene beauty.

The Fourth Sunday of Advent: The tone of the liturgy takes on a heightened sense of anticipation as the celebration of Christ’s birth draws near. The fourth candle, often purple, is lit, symbolizing love or peace, completing the wreath’s preparation for Christmas.

At Saint Mary’s, we present our Christmas Pageant, which has its roots in medieval Europe. During the Middle Ages, the Church used nativity plays to educate the largely illiterate population about the story of Jesus’ birth. These dramas, often performed in churches or public squares, featured biblical narratives interwoven with local traditions.

The Victorian era saw a resurgence of Christmas traditions in the United States, influenced by European customs and the growing popularity of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol (1843). By the early 20th century, Christmas pageants became widespread in churches, schools, and even public venues. While not strictly liturgical in nature, our pageant celebrates the rich and talented younger members of Saint Mary’s, with some help from the adult wise men!

So, there we have it. Behind the apparently ageless musical and liturgical traditions of the Advent and Christmas season lie a great many surprises, diversions, and new creations. In any case, I cannot wait to celebrate this most magical of seasons at Saint Mary’s.