The Coventry Carol, arranged by Michael McGlynn Amid the joy and festivities of the Christmas season, we encounter a dark tale: the Slaughter of the Innocents. The story of King Herod ordering the death of Bethlehem’s male children under the age of two is recorded … Read more
Recently we’ve become fond of a British vocal group called VOCES8. So today, Christmas Day 2017, we’d like to share their rendition of Lo How a Rose e’re Blooming (Es ist ein Ros entsprungen). A German tune first appearing in print in 1599, it is … Read more
Today, Dec. 5, on the third day of Advent. We’ll consider a tradition that occurs tomorrow (Dec. 6th)—the commemoration of an historical figure who is actually an old friend to most of us. Shoes and socks are important items. In Jesus’s world, the sandal reigned … Read more
This coming Sunday marks the beginning of Advent. Despite what the numbers on the commercial Advent calendars say, the duration of Advent is not always 24 days. It changes from year to year. Last year in 2016, Advent stretched its longest: 28 days. In fact, … Read more
While most households are starting to focus on turkey and pumpkin pie, we are putting the finishing touches on the 2017 Advent Calendar. This daily calendar of arts and culture began as a simple idea 7 years ago and continues to grow each Advent season. … Read more
Merry Christmas to all of our readers, students, and friends. We thank all who have followed our Advent Calendar this year. It was our honor to share the journey with you. On this Christmas Day, we invite you to listen to and contemplate this simple and … Read more
I had intended for today’s post in our 2016 Advent Calendar to focus on the tasty seasonal treats we enjoy as Christmas draws nearer. One I had in mind was marzipan, the almond paste used in so many European treats and particularly popular at Christmastime. … Read more
Once again this year, several people have asked me if O Come, O Come Emmanuel would be a topic in the remaining days of the Advent Calendar. For many, this song stands apart as one of the most deeply moving of all carols. It’s certainly not … Read more
The first Sunday in Advent Lighting the first purple candle of the Advent wreath marks the beginning of the season, whether within a church service or in a home celebration. Use of an Advent wreath to signify the four Sundays preceding Christmas has been recorded since … Read more
Tomorrow marks the first Sunday in Advent and the official beginning of our 2016 Advent Calendar. We are delighted with the warm reception you have given this calendar over the past years. It has become an important tradition for us as well. Not that long … Read more