We begin Advent.
This is a wonderful little Chant Advent hymn:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f06qdhO_sEY
It helps to know Latin, of course. But the music itself will put the message across; it's a plea! Here's the translation of the chorus:
Drop down, ye heavens from above
and let the skies pour down righteousness.
Note how the verses have a 'minor' tonality; they describe the earthly condition--desolate, ruined, but with hopeful anticipation of salvation. Fitting for the season, and for the human condition as a whole.
Compline
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdTPI6X2Rqk
Alma Redemptóris Mater, quæ pérvia cæli
Porta manes, et stella maris, succúrre cadénti,
Súrgere qui curat pópulo: tu quæ genuísti,
Natúra miránte, tuum sanctum Genitórem
Virgo prius ac postérius, Gabriélis ab ore
Sumens illud Ave, peccatórum miserére.
Mother of Christ! Hear thou thy people's cry,
Star of the deep, and portal of the sky!
Mother of Him Who thee from nothing made,
Sinking we strive and call to thee for aid;
Oh, by that joy which Gabriel brought to thee,
Thou Virgin first and last, let us thy mercy see.
Yah, although that translation is VERY approximate; far more poetic than literal.
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