Advent Procession

Sunday 10th December, 5:00pm

The Advent Procession (as it is commonly known) includes readings and carols which celebrate the season of Advent and it reminds us about the importance of preparing carefully and thoughtfully for the great festival of Christmas. The service is based loosely on the Advent Antiphons which are early verses dating back to the 6th century and makes use of prayers from ancient Christian liturgies. It moves from the opening words of the Advent offices (the first responsory from Matins on Advent Sunday) to the final ones which were recited just before Christmas Day itself (the final responsory from Vespers on Christmas Eve). The sense of travelling through time is reflected physically by the Procession moving around the Cathedral, from beneath the great west window to the Sanctuary and High Altar, symbolising the coming of light into the world through the birth of Jesus.

Motets:

Matin Responsory, Palestrina

Twas the year, Wood

Es ist ein Ros entsprungen, Praetorius

Benedictus in G, Sumsion

Ave Maria, Fletcher

Vesper Responsory of Christmas Eve, Palestrina

Voluntary: Chromatic Fantasy, Bach arr Reger