Funeral music during Advent
  • ejpmcg
    Posts: 1
    Had a request for O Come, O Come Emmanuel as the Recessional for a funeral during Advent. Couldn't find any liturgical instructions indicating whether this would be desirable (as Christmas music is suitable for a wedding during the season) or not. Any helpful guidance?
  • Chris Garton-Zavesky
    Posts: 6,902
    To say that such a request is odd is an understatement.

    That said, if the deceased entered that state in the hope of the resurrection, it's a poignant choice: the second coming of Christ is implied by the first coming.
    Thanked by 1hilluminar
  • Liam
    Posts: 5,197
    Since Advent is about the three (not merely two) comings of Christ (1-into time in space at the Incarnation/Nativity; 2-at our individual Particular Judgment - admittedly, this one is often elided because it's different than the other two; 3-at the General Judgement), it would not seem inappropriate. And as a recessional hymn, it's an appropriate nod to the season in which the funeral occurs.
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  • irishtenoririshtenor
    Posts: 1,342
    I think it's on the odd side, though I would be okay with it for a funeral in Advent
  • m_r_taylor
    Posts: 335
    Don't see why this is odd.
  • davido
    Posts: 1,002
    It’s odd because it’s not
    - here I am lord
    - on eagles wings
    - be not afraid

    :)
    Thanked by 5canadash ServiamScores MarkB Chris Garton-Zavesky MNadalin
  • SalieriSalieri
    Posts: 3,176
    Musically it isn't all that strange since the melody was originally for a trope in the Responsory "Libera me, Domine" sung at the burial service.
    Thanked by 6Andrew_Malton ServiamScores Chris Garton-Zavesky CCooze … Expand
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