4th Sunday of Advent - Year B - December 24, 2023

 
NAMAMASKO PO! Pwedeng GCASH o kaya Paymaya, nasa right pane ang details hehehehehe.
 
Anyway, thank you our dear brothers and sisters for visiting our blog. We are now on the 4^th Sunday of Advent, the readings speak of the original Ark of the Covenant and of the Annunciation of the Angel Gabriel to Mary, the new Ark of the Covenant. In the first reading, David wants to build a home for the Ark of the Covenant, and instead God promises to establish the house of David forever. The psalm reiterates God’s promises to David. The second reading praises God. And in the gospel, Gabriel the Archangel appears to the Blessed Virgin Mary and brings her the news that she has been chosen to be the mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.
 
The theme:

• The Incarnation of Christ: Gabriel’s announcement of Jesus' birth to Mary introduces the central Christian theme of the Incarnation. This event signifies God becoming human in Jesus Christ, a foundational truth of Christian belief.

• Favor and Choice by God: Mary is described as "highly favored" by the Lord, highlighting the theme of divine selection and grace. This emphasizes that God chooses individuals for specific purposes according to His divine plan.

• Mary's Faith and Obedience: Mary’s response, “Let it be to me according to your word,” exemplifies faith and obedience to God's will. This theme underscores the virtue of trusting and submitting to God’s plan, even when it is unexpected or challenging.

• The Role of the Holy Spirit: The angel's explanation that the Holy Spirit will come upon Mary and the power of the Most High will overshadow her highlights the Holy Spirit's role in the Incarnation. This theme reflects the work of the Holy Spirit in the mystery of Christ’s conception and in believers' lives.

• The Virgin Birth: The concept of Mary conceiving as a virgin is a significant theme, representing a miraculous event in Christian theology. It signifies God's power and the beginning of a new creation in Christ.
• The links of song suggestions for Misa de Gallo (from old post):
  • December 19 pm and 20 am Mass
  • December 20 pm and 21 am Mass
  • December 21 pm and 22 am Mass
  • December 22 pm and 23 am Mass
  • December 23 pm and 24 am Mass
  • December 24 Midnite Mass 
  • December 25 Mass
• Entrance:

1.    Ayaw Paglangan
2.    Halina, Jesus
3.    O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
 
Readings:

• First Reading – 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16: God responds to David's desire to build a temple, recounting His support and promising a lasting dynasty, establishing a peaceful kingdom and an everlasting throne for David's lineage.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 89: For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

I will forever sing of the Lord's promises and steadfast kindness, as He has pledged an enduring covenant with David, ensuring his lineage and throne for all generations.

• Second Reading – Romans 16:25-27: Glory to God, who strengthens us through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, revealing long-hidden mysteries, now shared with all nations to foster obedience of faith.

• Gospel - Luke 1:26-38: The angel Gabriel, sent by God, greeted Mary in Nazareth, proclaiming she would conceive Jesus, the Son of the Most High. Troubled, Mary wondered how, being a virgin. Gabriel explained the Holy Spirit's role and mentioned Elizabeth's miraculous pregnancy, affirming God's power. Mary humbly accepted, declaring herself the Lord's servant.

 

Offertory:
1.    Nagahalad Kami
2.    Tanging Alay
3.    Unang Alay
4.    Dwelling Place
5.    Prayer for Generosity
 
Communion:
1.    Panahon Na
2.    Panginoon
3.    Oyayi
4.    The Face of God
5.    God with Us
 
Recessional:
1.    Umanhi Ka Mesiyas
2.    Any Marian Song
3.    Panginoon Hanggang Kailan
4.    The King of Glory

3rd Sunday of Advent - Year B - December 17, 2023

 Good day dear brothers and sisters in Christ. We the admins of this Blog would like to express our gratitude for always visiting our blog. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year po sa lahat…

The links of song suggestions for Misa de Gallo (from old post):

• December 15 pm and 16 am Mass 
• December 16 pm and 17 am Mass
• December 17 pm and 18 am Mass
• December 18 pm and 19 am Mass
• December 19 pm and 20 am Mass
• December 20 pm and 21 am Mass
• December 21 pm and 22 am Mass
• December 22 pm and 23 am Mass
• December 23 pm and 24 am Mass

We are now on the 3^rd Sunday of Advent, and the readings encourage us to rejoice because our salvation is near. The first reading foreshadows the coming of the Messiah, the anointed one. The psalm is the Magnificat - "My soul rejoices in my God." The second reading encourages us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. And in the gospel John the Baptist tells the priests that he is not the Christ, but that the Messiah is coming.

Theme and Main points:

• Witness to the Light: John the Baptist's role as a witness to the light, who is Jesus, is emphasized. This theme highlights the importance of testifying to Jesus as the true Light who brings divine truth and life.

• Identity and Mission of John the Baptist: John’s clear denial of being the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet reflects his understanding of his own identity and mission. This theme illustrates the importance of knowing one’s role in God’s plan and staying true to it.

• Humility in Service: John’s declaration of unworthiness to untie Jesus’ sandals showcases his humility. It teaches that true greatness in God's kingdom comes from recognizing one's own humbleness and the superiority of Jesus.

• Preparation for the Messiah: John’s role in preparing the way for Jesus underscores the theme of making oneself ready for the Messiah’s coming. It calls for spiritual readiness and openness to receive Christ.

ENTRANCE:
1.       Ayaw Paglangan Ginoo - swak for the theme since we're still waiting for HIS coming
2.       Umanhi Ka, Ayaw Paglangan - can be found in Ad-5 in old Cebuano Songbook or page 170 in GKK Songbook.
3.       Balang Araw ( Borres, Francisco ) this is only a suggestion. Try to change the " Narito na ang Manunubos, Luwalhatiin ang Dios" into " Darating na ang Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Dios."
4.       Ang Puso Ko’y Nagpupuri (“Nagagalak ang aking Espiritu”) Clear this first. I do not believe this is an exclusively Marian song. It’s also about rejoicing.
5.        Purihi’t Pasalamatan (Esteban & Hontiveros) “sa masyang awit”
6.       Save us O Lord (Dufford) I acknowledge this is Lenten, pero yung message niya okay na okay kay kumpareng John the Baptist.
7.       Play Before the Lord (Dufford) “Stand among His people here, telling of all His ways” can be interpreted to be so St. John the Baptist
8.       I Rejoiced (Foley)
 
READINGS:

• First Reading - Isaiah 61:1-2A, 10-11: Anointed by God, I am sent to bring hope to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom. Clothed in salvation, I joyfully await God's justice to flourish globally.

• Responsorial Psalm - Luke 1: My soul rejoices in my God.

My soul magnifies the Lord, rejoicing in God my Savior. He has blessed me, His humble servant, and shown mercy across generations, fulfilling His promise with compassion.

• Second Reading - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24: Rejoice always, pray ceaselessly, and give thanks in all situations. Embrace the Spirit, discern truth, and avoid evil. May God sanctify you wholly for Christ's return, fulfilling His promise.

• Gospel - John 1:6-8, 19-28: Sent by God, John the Baptist testified to the coming Light, making clear he was not the Christ, Elijah, nor the Prophet. Questioned by Jewish leaders, he identified himself as the voice prophesied by Isaiah, preparing the way for the Lord. Despite his significant role, John humbly acknowledged the greater one to follow, whose sandals he felt unworthy to untie.

 

OFFERTORY:
1.       Andama ang Dalan
2.       Nagahalad Kami
3.       Diyutay Lang Kini
4.       Ang Tanging Alay Ko
Prioritize Stanza 3. One reinforces the more common message of Advent even more when in Stanza 3 this is sung: “Aking hinihintay ang ‘Yong pagdarating, Jesus” rather than “pagbabalik, Jesus.” Nevertheless, pagbabalik can certainly remain, as again this season also has an eschatological
notion.
5.       Panalangin sa Pagiging Bukas Palad (Arboleda & Francisco)
6.       Panalangin Maging Bukas Palad (Rodrigo & Ramirez)
7.       Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda) “To give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labor and ask not for reward” is so John the Baptist.
8.       Dwelling Place (“May Christ find a dwelling place in our hearts”) (Foley)
 
COMMUNION:
1.          Andama ang Dalan (Ad-2)
2.          Panahon Na (F-14)
3.          Awit ng Paghahangad (Cenzon) “Magagalak na aawit”
4.          Liwanag ng Aming Puso: Lentish but (“...sa amin manahan Ka...”)
5.          Pananatili (“yayakapain ang landasin...Mo” is again terno sa G No. 3)
6.          Empty Space (Foley) “So You may one day see my face” pero some consider this for the Sacred Heart mas apt. Bagaman mas nauugnay ito sa Kabanal-banalang Puso, this is taking it one step further: If we are anticipative and waiting so much, we might as well wait for the right One. Besides, this song could even help in increasing the longing. My own opinion lang ang last sentence; I’d love it if you’d
disagree para natu3 tayo lahat thru exchange of reasonable reasons. Ang panget ng English ko, but
you get what I mean.
7. In Him Alone
8. God of Silence (Francisco)
9. Holy Darkness “As we await You” pero some consider this for the Easter Vigil mas apt.
11. One Thing I Ask (Tirol)
12. This Alone (Manion)
13. One More Gift (Francisco)
14. Prayer of Saint Francis (Temple)
 
    RECESSIONAL:
1.       Umanhi Ka Mesiyas (Ad-3)
2.       Ang Tawag sa Panahon
3.       Tanda ng Kaharian ng Diyos (Morano & Francisco)
4.       Awit ng Pasasalamat (Hontiveros) “Tayo’y magagalak”
5.       A Time Will Come for Singing (Schutte)
6.       Wait for the Lord
7.       Life Forever More (Ellerton & Francisco)
8.       The Lord is my Light. Prioritize Stanza 2: “Your face, Lord, I seek.”

2nd Sunday of Advent - Year B - December 10, 2023

 
A big thanks to all of you who always support us here in choirmassguide. We are now on the 2^nd Sunday of Advent. Kaya namamasko po kami sa inyo... GCash nalang po nasa gilid ang details :) 
 
The readings for the 2nd Sunday of Advent Year B tell us of John the Baptist and his call to repentance. The first reading foretells the coming of John the Baptist. The psalm reminds us that the Lord is kind and just. The second reading encourages us to grow in holiness. And in the gospel, John the Baptist is baptizing people in preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ.

• Fulfillment of Prophecy: The passage begins by referencing the prophets Isaiah and Malachi, indicating that John the Baptist’s ministry is a fulfillment of prophecy. This theme underscores the continuity of God’s plan as revealed through the prophets.

• Preparation for the Messiah: John’s role as a forerunner for Christ highlights the theme of preparation for the coming of the Messiah. His preaching and baptizing in the wilderness were meant to prepare the hearts and minds of the people for Jesus.

• Humility of John the Baptist: John’s declaration that he is not worthy to untie the sandals of the one coming after him illustrates his humility. It sets an example for the proper attitude of a servant of God, acknowledging one’s own unworthiness in comparison to Christ.

• Baptism as a Symbol of Repentance: The act of baptism in the Jordan River by John symbolizes purification and repentance. This ritual act points to the inner transformation that is required for a renewed relationship with God.

• Anticipation of the Holy Spirit: John distinguishes his baptism with water from the coming baptism with the Holy Spirit by Jesus. This theme introduces the Holy Spirit’s significant role in Christian life and points to the deeper, transformative work that Jesus will accomplish.

• Transition from Old to New Covenant: John’s ministry marks the transition from the prophetic tradition of the Old Testament to the new era inaugurated by Jesus. This theme reflects the shift from the law and prophets to the grace and truth brought by Christ.

 
Entrance:
1.      Andama ang Dalan, which is swak sa gospel
2.      Umanhi ka Mesiyas
3.      Balang Araw (Borres, Francisco)
Suggestion ko lang ‘toh; anyone can very well disagree: Palitan yung ‘Narito na’ng Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Diyos!’ into ‘Darating na’ng Manunubos, luwalhatiin ang Diyos!’ (JR Medina)
4.      Purihin ang Panginoon. (Prioritize 3rd Stanza: “...Kaya’y Panginoo’y dinggin; ang landas Niya’y tahakin..”)
 
Readings:

• First Reading – Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11: Summary: God promises comfort and forgiveness to Jerusalem, declaring an end to her trials. A path is made for the Lord’s glory, as He comes with power and tenderness, like a caring shepherd.

• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 85: Lord, let us see your kindness, and grant us your salvation.

I listen for God’s words, for He promises peace to His people and salvation to the reverent. In our land, kindness and truth, justice and peace, shall unite under His blessings.

• Second Reading – 2 Peter 3:8-14: God’s time differs from ours; He’s patient, desiring all to repent. The Day of the Lord will bring transformation, urging us to live in holiness, awaiting a new righteous world.

• Gospel – Mark 1:1-8: Isaiah prophesied a messenger, John the Baptist, who emerged in the wilderness calling for repentance and baptism for sin forgiveness. He foretold of one greater than himself, unworthy even to untie His sandals, who would baptize with the Holy Spirit, not just water.

 

Offertory:

1. Gasa sa Gugma (Koro Viannista) good choice
2. Daygon Ikaw, Ginoong Dios
3. Gasa Namo Kanimo
4. Pag-aalay ng Puso (Minsan Lamang) (Nemy & Que) as advent (at least the earlier part) has an eschatological notion. Traces of 32nd and 33rd Sundays in Ordinary Time yata ito. (JR Medina)
5. Unang Alay (best choice)
6. We can instantly make this song have an Adventish notion: The last line originally runs: “...Ngayo’y nananalig, nagmamahal sa ‘Yo.” Sing instead, “Ngayo’y umaasa, naghihintay sa ‘Yo.” You then reinforce the message re: anticipation.
7. Now if your choir sings the Koda, you deliver one solid message if you sing: “Ngayo’y nananalig (umaawit), dumudulog (sumasamba), umaasa (naghihintay) sa ‘Yo.” 
8. I will be so excommunicated by Fr. Rey Magnaye. (JR Medina)
9. Dwelling Place (“May Christ find a dwelling place in our hearts”) (Foley)
10. Prayer for Generosity (Arboleda)

 
Communion:
1.      Panahon na Karon sa Pagbag-o, literally Christians repent during Advent and Lent season. So this is a good choice
2.      O Dios, Ikaw Haduol
3.      Andani, Pag-andam sa Ani, the main keyword is Pag-andam. For his coming we should prepare.
4.      Ginoo, Sayud Ka sa Tanan (Ad-7)
5.      Awit ng Paghilom. (I’d like to believe and comment that Stanza 2’s “sa daang matuwid” calls to mind G No. 3. Ganunpaman, I acknowledge that many people would say that this is a song more apprpri8 for the liturgical season of Lent.) Tsaka “Hanap-hanap Ka ng puso”
6.      Liwanag ng Aming Puso: Lentish but (“...sa amin manahan Ka...”) 
7.      O Halina, O Hesus (Isidro & Que)
8.      Panginoon Masdan Mo (Isidro & Que)
9.      Hiram sa Diyos. The first two weeks of Advent are very eschatological.
10.  Pananatili (“yayakapain ang landasin...Mo” is again terno sa G No. 3)
11.  Panginoon Aking Tanglaw (Ramirez)
12.  Panginoon, hanggang kailan? (Isidro, Ramirez)
13.  Panginoon Masdan Mo (Isidro & Que)
14.   Sa Dapit Hapon (Tabuena & Hontiveros) Sing stanza 1 repeatedly.
15.   Patience People (Foley) 
16.  The Face of God (Francisco)
17.  Let the Valleys be Raised (Schutte)
18.  O Come, O Come, Emmanuel
19.  The King of Glory (Jabusch)
20.  Empty Space (Foley) “So You may one day see my face” pero some consider this for the Sacred Heart mas apt. Bagaman mas nauugnay ito sa Kabanal-banalang Puso, this is taking it one step further: If we are anticipative and waiting so much, we might as well wait for the right One. Besides, this song could even help in increasing the longing. My own opinion lang ang last sentence; I’d love it if you’d disagree para natu3 tayo lahat thru exchange of reasonable reasons. ??Ang panget ng English ko, but you get what I mean.
21.   In Him Alone
22.  God of Silence (Francisco)
23.  Holy Darkness “As we await You” pero some consider this for the Easter Vigil mas apt.
24.  Hosea (Norbet) Lentish mas kilala, pero if you consider its links to eschatology...
25.  Love is the answer (Hannisian)
26.  One Thing I Ask (Tirol)
27.  This Alone (Manion)
28.  We Remember (Haugen)
29.  Turn to Me
30.  Breath of God: On the one hand, the Holy Spirit was indeed both in 1R and G No. 7. Besides, not too many people would outrightly consider this song as exclusively for Pentecost. 
However, I don’t think that this song should be used indiscriminately for all the Sundays of Advent; cguro 2nd Sunday of Advent lang, kasi the Holy Spirit is indeed the love of God the Father for the Son, and of the Son for the Father, i.e., the love that transpires between them: When the Father sees the Son Whom He loves so much, Siya ay napadidighay, at ang nadidighay is the Holy Spirit. Thus, the Holy Spirit is the breath of God, the breath of love, “hininga ng pag-ibig.” (But take note that this does not happen in the time continuum, for the Godhead is not immersed in a time line.) Pero palayo na ito sa thread. My more important point is this: I believe that Breath of God does not deliver the appropriate message on the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of Advent.
 
Recessional:
1.      Pagpangatagak na Yamog
2.      Bayan magsiawit na (Aquino)
3.      Tanda ng Kaharian ng Diyos (Morano & Francisco)
4.      Halina, Jesus, aming Mananakop (Isidro, Que) 
5.      A Time Will Come for Singing (Schutte) 
6.      Wait for the Lord
7.      Life Forever More (Ellerton & Francisco)
8.      The Lord is my Light. Prioritize Stanza 2: “Your face, Lord, I seek.”
 
Hope this will help…Have a nice weekend everyone 😊