Advent begins today
During Advent, reflections are centred around the 'OAntiphons' – the ancient texts on which the hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel is based. A summary of the content is shared below and you can watch more Advent content on the Church of England’s YouTube channel.
Advent: O Come, Emmanuel
For more than a thousand years, Christians have prepared for the nativity of Christ with the Advent Antiphons – an ancient and rich tapestry of biblical titles for Christ – on which the much-loved hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel is based.
Available as a full-colour book from Church House Publishing featuring eight respected writers and newly commissioned artwork, and via the Everyday Faith app, this resource invites us to meditate daily on the seven Antiphons, the scriptures that inspired them, and Mary’s great song of praise, the Magnificat, which they frame at evening prayer. You can also listen to new musical settings of the seven Advent antiphons by acclaimed contemporary composers commissioned by the Church of England and recorded by St Martin’s Voices.
With daily reflections by Jane Williams, Chris Russell, Esther Prior, Philip North, Muthuraj Swamy, Tanya Marlow and David Hoyle, this resource invites us to pray with longing as we prepare to welcome Christ into the world.
O Wisdom
Advent is a season of anticipation and discernment. For the first three days of this season, we will explore what Wisdom looks like – and how seeking it helps us to walk with God’s own presence.
Jane Williams, McDonald Professor in Christian Theology at St Mellitus College
Monday 1 - Wednesday 3 December
O Adonai
In Advent, we are expecting the coming of our Lord, Adonai. Together with Moses, we meet a God who is greater than us yet chooses to draw near to us – and give us freedom and hope.
Chris Russell, Archbishop of Canterbury’s Advisor for Evangelism & Witness
Thursday 4 - Saturday 6 December
