Reflection in words & music – Advent Sunday 30th November 2025

Join The Revd Canon Dr Alison Joyce, Rector of St Bride's, and St Bride's Choir for this week's reflection in words and music. This week's reflection opens with a setting of the "Benedicite, omnia opera" – the great song of praise and blessing for all of creation that we traditionally sing in Advent. It is composed by the English cathedral organist and choirmaster, Robert Ashfield, who served as organist and master of the choristers at Southwell Minster then Rochester Cathedral. Today is Advent Sunday which marks the beginning of the season of Advent. Alison reminds us in her reflection that it is a season when we are encouraged to engage with the dark realities of our world so that we can truly value the light that comes into the world at Christmas and recognise our deep need for it. We close with the seasonal hymn "Lo! He comes with clouds descending" by the great hymnist Charles Wesley, set to the famous tune, Helmsley. Information about our weekly Sunday services in St Bride's of Choral Eucharist at 11am (https://www.stbrides.com/worship-music/worship/regular-services/choral-eucharist/) and Choral Evensong at 5:30pm (https://www.stbrides.com/worship-music/worship/regular-services/choral-evensong/) can be found on the website. Find out what's happening at St Bride's at https://www.stbrides.com/whats-on If you enjoy listening, please leave a comment below or subscribe to our channel. It is great to get your feedback. SUPPORT ST BRIDE'S ================== We are hugely grateful for people's generosity which we wholly rely on to continue our work, maintain our wonderful architectural heritage and support world-class music-making. People are often surprised to learn that St Bride's receives no external funding. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/stbrideschurchfleetstreet