Choir: Matin Responsory Palestrina
(sung by the choir from the west end of the church)
Processional Hymn: O come, O come Emmanuel
(the choir processes to top of the nave)
Bidding Prayers & Lord’s Prayer
Choir: Advent Prose Rorate Cœli
Hymn: Creator of the starry height
(choir processes to chancel stalls)
First Lesson: Isaiah XL 1-11
The Prophet proclaims good news to a people in exile.
First Antiphon: ‘O wisdom…’
Choir: This is the truth sent from above John Jordan
Second Lesson: Jeremiah XXIII 5-8
The Lord prepares to send his people a righteous king
Second Antiphon: ‘O Adonai…’
Choir: Zion hört die Wächter singen – J.S. Bach
Hymn: Come thou long-expected Jesus
Third Lesson: Zechariah IX 9-12
The Lord promises that the king will come in peace
Third Antiphon: ‘O root of Jesse…’
Choir: A tender shoot Otto Goldschmidt
Fourth Lesson: Haggai II 6-9
The prophet foretells the coming of the desire of all nations
Fourth Antiphon: ‘O key of David…’
Choir: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree Elizabeth Poston
Hymn: Awake, awake, fling off the night
Fifth Lesson: Isaiah XXXV 1-10
The Prophet foretells the glory of God’s Kingdom
Fifth Antiphon: ‘O Morning Star…’
Choir: Never weather-beaten sail Richard Shephard
Sixth Lesson: Luke I 26-35, 38
The Angel Gabriel salutes Our Lady
Sixth Antiphon: ‘O king of the nations…’
Choir: The Angel Gabriel Basque, arr. Archer
Hymn: O day of God, draw nigh
Seventh Lesson: Mark 1 1-15
Jesus proclaims the gospel of the Kingdom
Seventh Antiphon: ‘O Emmanuel…’
Choir: A maiden most gentle Andrew Carter
Eighth Antiphon: ‘O Virgin of virgins…’
Advent Collect & Blessing
Hymn: Lo! He comes with clouds descending