"Fall on your knees"
Dr. Christina Alves directs the choir at St. Andrew Church in Fort Worth on Nov. 30, the first Sunday of Advent. (NTC/Richard Rodriguez)
This reflection is one of eight written by musicians from across our diocese as part of Songs of the Seasons, a series celebrating the beauty and meaning of Christmas music. Follow along the series [here]!
Fourth Day in the Christmas Octave: A perspective on Christmas music from Dr. Christina Alves, director of liturgy and music, St. Andrew Parish, Fort Worth
With a doctorate in vocal performance from Louisiana State University, I have performed various roles with several opera companies, taught liturgical and cantor workshops, and cantored for many diocesan liturgies. I enjoy connecting people and helping them discover their God-given gifts.
I am grateful for my husband, Thomas, and my four adult children and spouses for their support in my vocation as wife and mother, and my 33 years of ministry at Saint Andrew Parish.
Personal favorite
I have several favorite Christmas hymns: “Angels We Have Heard on High,” “Silent Night,” “Still, Still, Still,” and “In the Bleak Midwinter,” but “O Holy Night” is my favorite. While I am aware of its origin, I love this carol because of the melody, accompaniment, and beautiful poetry.
“O Holy Night” is my favorite for personal reasons. In 2017 my mother passed away on Dec. 25 in Arkansas while we were singing at Midnight Mass at St. Andrew. We were to drive to see her and family on Christmas morning. When I got the call that she was near death, I sat in my car in the church parking lot and sang “O Holy Night” to her over the phone before Midnight Mass. I knew she could hear me. She shared my love for this hymn and I chose it for her funeral Mass a few days later.
Lyrical lessons
Two phrases in “O Holy Night” stand out to me.
The first is “Long lay the world in sin and error pining, ‘til He appeared and the soul felt its worth.”
Some of the people I encounter through ministry struggle with their sense of worth. Many people long to have peace and have forgotten how much they are loved by God. Helping them become aware of His love by inviting them back, connecting them to others, inviting them to the gift of the sacraments, and praying through music — all of these opportunities bring God’s healing.
The second is “Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices!”
Falling on your knees is such a posture of humility and reverence! How many times in our lifetime do we fall on our knees in prayer over the pain of losing a loved one; in prayer for someone who is seriously ill; for challenges at work or home; in desperation needing help; for guidance in speaking the right words; for our children to discover God’s will for them; in gratitude for forgiveness or daily blessings?
We fall on our knees not only at Christmas time, but for a lifetime.
Power of sacred Christmas music
"O Holy Night” and other Christmas hymns bring me a sense of peace, wonder, and awe. Sacred Christmas music brings me comfort. I am blessed to be from a large family. Music transports me back to memories of the past, of people I love, of experiences of being home. It does not end there. The melodies and words are timeless and bring me hope for the future.
In recent homilies, our friars encouraged us to be intentional through Advent, dig deeper in our faith, and to embrace the challenges as an opportunities to grow closer to Christ.
Taking the time to prepare our hearts for Christmas is a challenge with the busyness of the season, but it is so worth it.
A mother's understanding
Having children of our own, Tom and I waited nine months each time with joyful expectation. I truly enjoyed being pregnant and the experience left me in awe.
It was humbling to feel the life of a child within me. I always wondered what it would feel like to have “life leap within the womb” like the Blessed Mother. It was the most incredible feeling to experience the baby move, especially when I would sing. It happened all the time. I often reflect on how much Mary and Joseph went through on their journey to Bethlehem. What an example they are to us! Jesus came to us as a tiny baby born in a manger? Such a humble beginning… the ultimate gift of love!! “O night divine!!!"
Advent angels
During the season of Advent at my Catholic elementary school in Arkansas, before we ate our lunch each day, the students stood behind their chairs and we sang a verse a cappella of “O Come O Come Emmanuel.” I can still hear it in my head, the acoustics were fantastic! It sounded like angels.
Editor's Note: This excerpt has been edited for brevity and clarity by the editor.
By Dr. Christina Alves, director of liturgy and music, St. Andrew Parish, Fort Worth