Advent Sunday

What do…
a hoover nozzle,
a harmonica,
a dustpan
and a lemon spray
have to do with Advent?

That was the challenge set to the children at the 10.30am service. Faced with the theoretical prospect of the King and Queen coming to their homes, what would they do?
‘Tidy up’ ‘Bake biscuits’.

At Advent we look to the birth of another king, Jesus, the King of Kings, and think of when he will return again…and no-one knows when that will be…so each one of us should be prepared. Jesus doesn’t actually worry about how tidy our homes are, he’s interested in our hearts. The cleaning materials reminded us of this … and the harmonica? Well, that’s to play ‘God Save the King’. A note-perfect rendition was given, leading to a spontaneous round of applause.

The first candle in the Advent Wreath was lit, and for the first time (maybe ever?!) there are two Priory Advent Wreaths, one for the 8am congregation and one for the 10.30am.

In the evening the Deanery Advent Carol Service was held in the Priory, welcoming a near-capacity congregation to share the Advent journey from darkness to light. The voices of the choir penetrated the darkened church as the Matin Responsory was sung from St Giles’ Chapel. The candlelit Advent procession moved down the aisles to the font where MacMillan’s thrilling ‘O Radiant Dawn’ echoed into the vast space.

Advent readings, by representatives from churches across the Deanery, glorious congregational singing, a sermon by Gary Crellin, the Area Dean, encouraging togetherness and magnificent organ playing from all three Priory organists, filled the congregation with Advent joy as they left the warmth of the Priory into the gas-lamp-lit darkness of Great Malvern.

Everyone’s welcome at the Priory, take a look at the Advent and Christmas services here.