Sunday, 14 December 2008

Advent Carol Service

The Cathedral's Advent Carol Service took place this afternoon, with singing led by both the adult choir and our young choristers. In between hymns and choral music there were Scripture readings and reflections on the mysteries of this season. As with earlier carol services, the aim was to preserve the character of the Advent season, rather than simply leap ahead to the Christmas feast.

Central to the service was the figure of Mary, who becomes increasingly prominent in the Church's liturgy over the coming days. She is one of the great characters of Advent, preparing for the Lord's coming and teaching us to do the same. We are to imitate in our own lives her willingness to accept God's will, however surprising or difficult we find it. We, like Mary, must store up in our hearts the mysteries of our faith and treasure them (cf. Luke 2:19, 2:51). This small statue of Mary was placed in front of the altar throughout the service - a silent reminder of the role she plays in our salvation.