Why “no Gloria in Advent?” The beginning of the Gloria scripturally runs thus, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace for those he favours.” So, to answer this question properly is to ask, “What is the origin of the first part of the Gloria?”

The first place we know this was recorded is in Luke 2:14, and was sung by the angels in the context of the birth of Jesus Christ. The “Gloria” sums up the story of Christ’s saving work; the paschal mystery, moving from his coming, to his redeeming death, to his triumphant resurrection and ascension into heaven. However, it begins from his coming. So, the beginning matters so much and gives meaning and credence to other parts of the mystery. That is to say, without Jesus’ coming, there would be no salvific life and teachings, death, resurrection and ascension into heaven.

Moreover, advent is a moment the church calls all to the same conversion that St. John the Baptist called the Jews as they awaited the arrival of the Messiah (John 1:23); in hope, repentance towards a union with God for the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas.

But how shall we sing a song of joy, sang first by the Angels at the birth of Christ when we are in waiting for the commemoration of the birth of Christ—Advent?

Therefore, as a song/prayer of joy, Gloria is suppressed during Advent and is not heard until the vigil Mass of Christmas Eve; a night before Christmas. This is so that we all after the preparation, shall sing like and with the angels, the song of the angels, the mother of all Carols, at the appropriate time,—the Nativity of Christ and beyond.

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