Contemplative sound experiences: Advent devotion in Schönau Monastery inspires!

Contemplative sound experiences: Advent devotion in Schönau Monastery inspires!

On December 4th, 2025, the atmospheric Advent service took place in the Schönau monastery church, which fittingly opened the first Sunday of Advent. Under the direction of Martin Poth, the saxophone ensemble from the Gemünden am Main music school thrilled the guests present with a diverse musical program. This is proven by the reporting from Mainpost.

The musical repertoire included traditional Advent and Christmas songs such as “Maria went through a thorn forest” and “Adeste fideles” as well as classical works. The sound of Johann Sebastian Bach's Bourrée and Tchaikovsky's Andante Cantabile filled the room and put those present in a contemplative mood. The performance of Ennio Morricone’s “Gabriel’s Oboe” was particularly moving before the ensemble closed with the spirituals “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

Contemplative texts and a shared atmosphere

Between the musical contributions, contemplative texts by Sieglinde Gloser, Elfriede Grob and Joachim Kracht were presented. These texts helped to deepen the Advent atmosphere and share thoughts about hope, arrival and light. Such contemplative moments are characteristic of Advent, a time of preparation for Christmas and reflection on spiritual values, such as The music of my church describes.

After the service, all guests were invited to end the evening with mulled wine in the monastery's inner courtyard. This sociable gathering ensured that the Advent devotion was not only a musical but also a communal experience.

Advent as a time for reflection

Advent is central to the Christian tradition as it prepares believers for the arrival of Jesus Christ. In this special time, music and community play an essential role in deepening the spiritual atmosphere, as was also the case in the invitation to the Advent devotion by the Fathers of Schönau on December 9, 2022. Back then, too, the population and local musicians were present to share the time of waiting and expectation together, reports VfV Gemünden.

Advent is therefore a phase in which reflection, hope and awareness of the anticipation of Christmas are the focus. These ideals are visible not only through musical performances, but also through the symbolic traditions such as Advent calendars and Advent wreaths that accompany people during this time.