Advent is at least partly about getting into the spirit of the thing, which can be hard with all the noise and work that continually presses closer and closer to the day -- indeed, this year it'll press into the last hours of Christmas Eve here at my house.
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In December, 2022, I was working in eastern Ukraine with an NGO. We were embedded with the Ukrainian Army, part of a forward surgical team outside of Bakhmut. Advent was much on my mind, lamenting the state of the world, longing for a Savior. Christmas carols were daily in my mind—not Christmas songs, carols. “O come, o come, Emmanuel” is one of my favorites; I’ve always been drawn to the somber carols (“Coventry Carol” is another favorite.) Skillet recently released their version of “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” and that’s what I needed then. There was little direct fire there, but artillery fire was ever present, tube artillery mostly, but rockets weren’t uncommon. We were finally evacuated when our forward surgical team was rocketed by the Russians. I didn’t want to leave. I know that many here will understand that.
I have long made a strong distinction between carols and Santa/winter Songs, but I have not been as judgemental on others about it as I have gotten older
Yes, Christmas in a warzone is an interesting experience. I was in Iraq for Advent of 2007 and then both Advent and Christmas of 2008.
I was expecting to be in Iraq Christmas of 2007 too, but my wife's mother died right before the holiday so I was home for the funeral.
I don’t criticize others, but I strongly prefer Advent during Advent, Christmas during Christmas (Dec. 24-January 6), and instrumental versions of ancient carols and hymns when I need background sound (or “winter inspired instrumentals” like the Windham Hill recordings.)
If I can listen to the music with all my attention, then I’m more catholic and listen to a lot of old Advent and Christmas (Anonymous 4, Christmas Revels, and the like.)
LittleRed1
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