Advent post No. 1: preparations

[callmemadam]

No decorations for me yet, but it’s time to get out the seasonal china and the advent calendar. The calendar is last year’s but I won’t remember what’s behind each window so it will still be fun.

Every year, there’s a candlelit Advent service in the Minster church. It’s always packed and you have to arrive early to get a seat. The service always opens with this hymn as a processional.

O come, O come, Emmanuel!
Redeem thy captive Israel
That into exile drear is gone,
Far from the face of God's dear Son.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.

Absolutely spine tingling. I love the Advent hymns, especially Of The Father’s Love Begotten and Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence.
Who doesn’t love Fauré’s Pie Jesu? Get in training for listening to lots more choristers this month.