Advent is more than a season of waiting – it is a season of prayerful expectation and anticipation. Through the four weeks of Advent the readings and psalms express the two-fold nature of this profound sense of expectation.
Firstly we anticipate, with joyful hope, the second coming of Jesus. Secondly, we anticipate the joy-filled feast of the Nativity, when we celebrate the give thanks for the first coming of Jesus.
Singing (rather than absent-mindedly reciting!) the responsorial psalms of Advent is a great way to nurture our sense of longing, anticipation and expectation.
Try these accessible, contemporary settings for Year A: (click links below)
- 1st Sunday of Advent, Year A ~ ” I rejoiced when I heard them say: ‘Let us go to God’s house.'” (Psalm 121)
- 2nd Sunday of Advent, Year A ~ “In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails.” (Psalm 71)
- 3rd Sunday of Advent, Year A ~ “Come, Lord, and save us.” (Psalm 145)
- 4th Sunday of Advent, Year A ~ “Let the Lord enter! He is the king of glory.” (Psalm 23)
Apart from a few well-known Advent hymns, there aren’t many songs that put these words of Advent longing on our lips the way that the psalm do. Sing them. Pray them.
- Click here for Responsorial Psalms for Advent, Year C
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