Waiting is annoying and makes you aggressive, especially in the hectic period before christmas.But the most gorgeous Advent songs transform the wait into a state of hope, of liberation from the chaos and frenzy of everyday life.
We are all too familiar with waiting during Advent, especially in the form of a queue, at the checkout or at the mulled wine stand. It is indeed seen as wasted, useless time, an unproductive state that makes us aggressive: can you open another cash register? In its Christian origins, Advent, which traditionally begins the liturgical year, is the time of interior readiness for Christmas. Look at the birth of Jesus Christ, the “arrival” (the literal translation of Advent) of the Savior, the Son of God, as the Christian jesus of Nazareth.
The wait for Advent is actually pure anticipation, but simultaneously occurring it is indeed also concentration on the essential. Advent was a time of repentance,like Lent before Easter. The fact that in some places they onyl eat sausages with potato salad on Christmas Eve and roast goose only on Christmas Day is a vestige of this.
Advent carols differ from Christmas carols in that in them the arrival of the Savior is still imminent: “Open the door, the door opens wide”, says one of the best-known German examples. The “Lord of Glory” is coming, but he has not yet arrived. One of the most beautiful songs of recent Advent goes like this: “As we wait for this world/ a radiant light falls./ Far from the crowd/ the voice that speaks resounds:/ Look up, the Savior is coming./ Wake up. arise and be ready, / for the Lord redeems his peopel / in a wonderful way in his time.”
The text comes from Johannes Jourdan (1923–2020), who worked as a Protestant pastor in Darmstadt and wrote many spiritual songs. His advent song is also sung in Catholic churches; In the dioceses of Aachen and Limburg “In the wait for this world” has found a place in the regional section “Praise of God”.
The melody was taken from the customary English Christmas carol “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” whose music Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy had originally composed in 1840 for entirely different secular purposes. While the English version is a true Christmas carol - angels announce and praise the birth of the King and peace on earth – Jourdan’s verses speak of the time before, although their duration is not simply punctuated by the four Sundays of Advent.
the “expectation of the world” is something like the normal state of our life, of everyday life, including and above all the suffering of which the second verse speaks; We talk about “mourning” and crying and “deepest anguish”. Even the “crowd” at the begining evokes a completely worldly world of consumption and work, into which the light of salvation has not yet penetrated.
“Wake up and prepare” – this is the invitation to reflection, perhaps even to repentance, in any case to greater attention to the voice that “far away” announces the arrival of the Savior who will free us from the chains of our existence.
The “wait for this world” means this human conditionhuman existence in general. It appears here as a transitory state, as a transitional period from birth to death, in which God “intervenes” transforming the eternal wait into an arrival, according to the hope not only of christian believers.
For WELT editor Richard Kämmerlingsborn in the Catholic Rhineland in 1969, the appropriate soundtrack is a must at Christmas time: from songs for children to the christmas motets of Francis Poulenc al Year-end songs from the band Earth Furniture.
How can music influence our emotional state and mindset during teh Advent period?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Dr. Clara Eberhardt, an Expert in Advent traditions and Music
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Dr. Eberhardt! We’re thrilled to have you with us to discuss the meaning of waiting during the Advent season and how music can transform that experience. Let’s start with the concept of waiting itself. Why do you think the idea of waiting evokes such strong emotions,especially during the hectic Christmas season?
Dr. Eberhardt: Thank you for having me! Waiting can indeed be frustrating, especially in the busy lead-up to Christmas. Its often perceived as wasted time, which can lead to impatience and even aggression, as you mentioned—who hasn’t grumbled waiting in a long line? Yet, this waiting period, when embraced correctly, can become a powerful state of anticipation and reflection. In its essence, Advent encourages us to prepare ourselves for the party of Christmas and the arrival of Christ.
Time.news Editor: That’s a interesting perspective. So, you’re saying that this wait can be turned into something productive or meaningful?
Dr. Eberhardt: Exactly! Advent is traditionally a time of introspection and readiness, a sort of spiritual readiness for the holiday season. This period was historically linked to repentance, similar to lent before Easter. Reflecting on the deeper significance encourages us to focus on the essentials in our lives, shifting our mindset from viewing waiting as a mere inconvenience to understanding it as an opportunity for growth.
Time.news Editor: That brings us to the role of music during Advent.how do Advent songs contribute to this transformation of waiting?
Dr.Eberhardt: Advent carols are distinct from Christmas carols largely because they emphasize anticipation—the Savior is on the way, but has not yet arrived. For instance, the German hymn “Open the Door” captures this sentiment beautifully, inviting listeners to prepare their hearts. These songs evoke a sense of hope and excitement that aligns with the nature of our waiting. They help us set the tone for the celebration to come,thus nurturing patience and a sense of community.
Time.news Editor: Are there any particular songs or hymns that you believe capture this Advent spirit especially well?
Dr. Eberhardt: Absolutely! One of the most gorgeous Advent pieces is “As We Wait for This World,” which speaks of light and anticipation. It invites people to immerse themselves in the idea that waiting can be filled with promise. Each note and lyric carries the weight of expectation and hope, making the waiting feel less burdensome.
Time.news Editor: How can individuals incorporate these feelings of hope and anticipation into their own lives now, especially considering the contemporary pace of our lives?
Dr. Eberhardt: One effective way is to engage with Advent traditions consciously. This could include creating a special space for reflection, reading Scripture, participating in communal singing, or even simply taking moments during the day to pause and breathe. Listening to Advent songs can also be a meditative practice that nurtures patience and allows for a deeper connection to the season. Encouraging family and friends to join in these practices enhances the sense of community and shared anticipation.
Time.news Editor: That’s splendid advice! It seems like even in our busy lives, we can find ways to celebrate this season meaningfully. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts on the importance of truly embracing this waiting period?
Dr. Eberhardt: Yes! Embracing the waiting period of Advent can be a transformative experience.It offers us a chance to step away from the chaos and reconnect with the essence of the holiday: love, hope, and community. When we allow ourselves to experience this time fully,the anticipation of Christmas becomes not just bearable but beautiful. It’s about finding joy in the journey, not just the destination.
Time.news Editor: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Eberhardt. Your perspective helps illuminate the beauty and significance of waiting during Advent, transforming what many may view as a hassle into a meaningful opportunity for reflection and connection.
Dr. Eberhardt: My pleasure! I hope everyone can find their own moments of joy in the upcoming days. Happy Advent!