Advent betting pool and other rants.

OK, here's the bet:

Next Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent.
I wonder what percentage of Roman Catholic parishes in North America (if not the world) will have an entrance hymn (or it could be used elsewhere in Mass) of "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel."

I only bring this up, because really, this song is appropriate for the time from December 17th until Chistmas. The lyrics of the song are based on the "Great O Antiphons" of the Divine Office, which are only used on those days. Really, this song is inappropriate for the first two and a half weeks of Lent. However, for some reason, just because it is listed under "Advent" in most hymnals, those in charge of planning liturgy just automatically use it. I think I have heard this every 1st Sunday of Advent for as long as I can remember.

One thing that needs to be done more, is that we need to understand the liturgy itself and the music chosen. Choosing "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" before December 17th, usually shows a lack of study or understanding of the song and the liturgical season.

It's like the equivalent of the "Mass of Creation" for Advent. You ALWAYS hear it, especially on the First Sunday of Advent.

I'm guessing if you called Vegas they would have pretty high odds on it happening.

Maybe I'll set up a poll for next Sunday, just to see if I can get a rough estimate.

Another thing. Advent wreaths are not required for Advent.

Contrary to what the almighty TV tells you, the Christmas Season does not start until December 25th. AND the Christmas Season does not end on December 25th. It goes from Christmas Day until the Baptism of the Lord (about a week into January).


RS