Please join us for the 68th Annual Advent Procession with Carols
In the ancient liturgies of the Christian Church, the Advent Offices mark a vivid presentation in word and song of the Coming of our Lord. We prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ into our world and into our lives by remembering the prophesy of redemption, the announcement of the Messiah’s birth, and the promise of Jesus Christ’s return in glory. Throughout this service the choir moves in procession from west to east, from “darkness” to “light.” First, from the west, the Matins Responsory of First Advent announces the hope of the Messiah, followed by the hymn of St. Ambrose, Veni Redemptor gentium. As the procession passes into the choir, prophetic lections alternate with hymns and carols. At the Annunciation, when the Gospel replaces the Prophets, the choir sings from the Lady Chapel. After St. John’s synopsis of the Incarnation, we focus on the Second Coming of Christ with lections from the Epistles. As those of old looked forward to the arrival of the Messiah, so too let us participate in this anticipation of our Redeemer’s past, present, and future Advent.
Carols and motets by:
R. Vaughan Williams
Thomas Lavoy
David MacMillan
Healey Willan
Daniel Wiebe
Anton Bruckner
John Tavener
Stanford Scriven
Paul Manz
with organ voluntaries by J. S. Bach
Please try to arrive early to allow for Covid safety protocols. Double vaccination, social distancing and masks are required.
Parking information and more can be found on our Contact Us page.
