Entering the Season of Advent

The First Sunday of Advent
December 1, 2019
A new liturgical year begins today. We light the first candle of the Advent wreath and enter this season of expectant waiting for the coming of Christ at Christmas. 

 Over the course of the four Sundays of Advent, we will sing almost all of the great Advent hymns in The Hymnal 1982. The Cathedral Choir will also be singing anthems based on Advent hymns throughout the season. Take some time to look through the "Advent" section of our hymnal - numbers 53 through 76. In fact, you might consider reading or singing one hymn each day leading up to Christmas. Our hymnal is a wonderful resource for reflection and prayer, and hymns help us engage more deeply in journey through the liturgical year.

 I encourage you to join me in the Choir Room at Trinity Cathedral, Omaha on Sunday, December 1 at 9:30 a.m. for an adult forum entitled "What to Listen For in Advent Music." We will explore the hymns and service music to be sung during Advent. We will also consider practical ways to use the hymnal in daily prayer throughout this season of preparation and hope.

 As you prepare for the season of Advent, listen to this peaceful plainsong hymn dating to the 9th century: Creator of the stars of night
Music for the First Sunday of Advent
December 1, 2019

 Hymns
74   Blest be the King whose coming (Valet will ich dir geben) 
59   Hark! a thrilling voice is sounding (Merton) 
56   O come, O come, Emmanuel (Veni, veni, Emmanuel)
66   Come, thou long expected Jesus (Stuttgart)
73   The King shall come when morning dawns (St. Stephen)

 Service Music

Trisagion S-102
Psalm 122 S-411, Simplified Anglican Chant   -Robert Knox Kennedy

Sanctus S-130                                                                                                                    Schubert/Proulx

Fraction Anthem S-169, My flesh is food indeed   -Ray W. Urwin

Anthems
Creator of the Stars of Night   -Conditor alme siderum, arr. Richard Proulx

People, Look East   -Besanรงon Carol

Organ Voluntaries
Prelude on Veni Emmanuel   -Calvin Hampton         
Vivace (from Partita for Advent )   -Piet Post

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