Order of Service
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: Come thou redeemer NEH 19
(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 record of John – Grayston Ives
Second Lesson: Jeremiah XXIII 5-8
The Lord prepares to send his people a righteous king
Second Antiphon: ‘O Adonai…’
Choir: This is the truth – Vaughan Williams
Hymn: hark a thrilling voice
Third Lesson: Zechariah IX 9-12
The Lord promises that the king will come in peace
Third Antiphon: ‘O root of Jesse…’
Choir: Jesus Christ the Apple Tree – Elizabeth Poston
Fourth Lesson: Haggai II 6-9
The prophet foretells the coming of the desire of all nations
Fourth Antiphon: ‘O key of David…’
Choir: There is no speech nor language – Whitbourn
Fifth Lesson: Isaiah XXXV 1-10
The Prophet foretells the glory of God’s Kingdom
Fifth Antiphon: ‘O Morning Star…’
Choir: O Thou the central orb – Charles Wood
Sixth Lesson: Luke I 26-35, 38
The Angel Gabriel salutes Our Lady
Sixth Antiphon: ‘O king of the nations…’
Choir: Mary walked through a wood of thorn – Radcliffe
Hymn: Come thou long-expected Jesus
Seventh Lesson: Mark 1 1-15
Jesus proclaims the gospel of the Kingdom
Seventh Antiphon: ‘O Emmanuel…’
Choir: A spotless rose – Howells
Eighth Antiphon: ‘O Virgin of virgins…’
Advent Collect & Blessing
Hymn: Lo! He comes with clouds descending
Organ Voluntary: Fugue in G Minor, BWV542 – JS Bach
(Peter Godden)