Reflection in words & music – Sunday 14th December 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. Our reflection opens with a another setting of the "Benedicite, omnia opera" – the great song of praise and blessing for all of creation that we traditionally sing in Advent. This week's is by the prominent English cathedral musician, Herbert Sumsion, who spent most of his career as Organist at Gloucester Cathedral. The gospel reading again centres on John the Baptist – the prophet who knew his role was to prepare the world for the appearance of the Messiah. However, Alison reflects on the uncertainty John felt as to whether Jesus, who he had heard of in his prison cell, was that Messiah. We close with the hymn "The Advent of our King" by the French hymnist Charles Coffin. 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