Advent and Christmas Hymns retreat
With Fr. Gary Coulter
December 18 - 19, 2026
‘O Holy Night’ retreat on popular Advent and Christmas hymns
with Fr. Gary Coulter
A 24-hour Retreat to prepare for our Savior’s birth
Retreat starts Friday Evening at 7:00pm, ends Saturday evening with 6:00pm Supper.
View or Download: Retreat Schedule Fr Coulter 12-18-26
A 24-Hour Advent/Christmas Music Retreat for Men and Women
Combine the spiritual practices of a retreat with the rich hymns and carols that are central to the Advent and Christmas seasons.
“Some of our most beloved and well-known hymns are Advent and Christmas carols,” said Father Coulter. “But even more, they often have a rich history and a theological beauty to them that can deepen our understanding of these holy seasons.”
The retreat will offer participants the chance to reflect on some of the oldest and most beautiful Advent hymns, such as “Creator of the Stars of Night” and “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The ancient melodies carry a timeless message of hope and anticipation. Father Coulter will also lead a reflection on early Latin Christmas carols, including “Of the Father’s Love Begotten” and “Christ was Born on Christmas Day.” More modern Christmas carols, such as “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” will also be part of the retreat experience.
“The theology behind these hymns teaches us about the mystery of the Incarnation and the power of Christ’s birth,” Father Coulter explained. “By reflecting on these songs, we can better prepare ourselves to celebrate the birth of Christ.”
The 24-hour retreat will include meditations by Father Coulter, the opportunity to receive the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, and extended time for silence and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Devotions and quiet reflection will be encouraged throughout the weekend as participants seek spiritual renewal in a peaceful, prayerful environment.
Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House offers a sanctuary of prayer and recollection on a spacious acreage near Waverly. There are 50 single rooms, each with a private bath. Retreats typically begin with a Rosary and Mass at 8 p.m. Friday, and end with Sunday Mass and lunch.
We want our retreats to be accessible to everyone, please consider an additional donation, or contact the Retreat House to inquire about financial assistance or if your parish pays part of the cost. If the retreat you’re interested in is full, contact us to be put on a waiting list. A few double rooms are available upon request. Airport transportation to/from LNK or OMA is also available upon request.
In-person at the Retreat House or at-home, live stream and on demand recordings. In-person retreats include meditations by the retreat master, the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation, the Liturgy of the Hours and other devotions, extended opportunities for silence and adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
Director
Fr. Gary Coulter has served as Director of Our Lady of Good Counsel Retreat House (goodcounselretreat.org) since 2013. Previously he was pastor at St. Mary in Ashland and St. Joseph in Greenwood, Nebraska. His Theological Studies were at Mt. St. Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD and he was ordained a priest in 1999 for the Diocese of Lincoln (Nebraska). After three years of high school teaching and parish ministry in Lincoln, he did graduate studies in Canon Law at Santa Croce University in Rome. He is director of Unbound ministry and also works in the marriage tribunal and as co-Vicar…
Learn more about Fr. Gary Coulter
