Of the Father's Love Begotten

A beautiful hymn based on a Latin hymn written by 4th century Roman poet Marcus Aurelius Prudentius,. The work was translated in to English by John Mason Neal and Henry Williams Baker and set to the music of the plainsong chant, “Divinum mysterium.” A well-known hymn for Advent and Christmas, the piece can be found on page 82 of the 1982 Episcopal Hymnal.

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Robert Parsons - Ave Maria

A beautiful rendition of "Ave Maria" by Robert Parsons. Sung by the Choir of King's College, Cambridge, 1994 (Click on the title above and it will open up in a new window).

Robert Parsons - Ave Maria

Holy Darkness

As we wait during Advent

"As we await you,

O God of silence

We embrace your holy night"

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Bach's Cantata No. 140, Wachet Auf (Sleepers Awake)

Here's some smooth classical: Bach's Cantata No. 140, Wachet Auf (Sleepers Awake) performed by Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Peter Kreeft, professor of  philosophy at Boston College has said, "There is the music of Bach, therefore there is God." One can always counter any "proof" for the existence of God, but beauty of the music of Johann Sebastian Bach abides beyond any discussion.

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Alleluia

I first became acquainted with this piece when I was in the Men's Chorus at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Not have a formal musical education, being in a choral group was a great way to be introduced to new musical endeavors while building a strong bond of community with fellow choristers. The performance here is with the Birmingham-Southern College Choir inder the leadership of the renowned Hugh Thomas.

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