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December 4th 2023
The Advent Season is upon us; we marked the beginning of this time of preparation with our annual Advent Carol Service in the Farnborough Hill Chapel on Sunday 3 December. We were grateful to Fr Robin Farrow who joined us again to lead us in prayer and bless our Advent wreath.
The word ‘advent’ derives from the Latin adventus for 'coming.’ This season is an opportunity for Christians to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Jesus, as well as to recall the promise that the Lord will come again.
Our Farnborough Hill Advent Carol Service uses the imagery of light coming into darkness. The candle bearers and Senior Choir entered into a dark Chapel, and the Chapel grew lighter after each reading as each candle was lit on the Advent Wreath. We heard readings from the Old Testament and New Testament Scriptures and hymns and carols helped us recall the time before Jesus, when the world was in spiritual darkness. We had representatives from across the School community who served as candle bearers, readers, choir members, Advent wreath lighters and numerous staff behind the scenes who helped with the service.
The Senior Choir sang various anthems, including an enchanting arrangement of In dulci jubilo by Howard Goodall, Harold Darke’s beautiful setting of In the bleak midwinter, and the thrilling Nova! Nova! by Iain Farrington. The rousing congregational carols included On Jordan’s Bank and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
A huge well done to the Senior Choir for their beautiful singing, and in particular, to Lulu (11B), Emma (U6MCB) and Annabel (U6CSK), all of whom sung solos. Thank you, also, to Mr Joe Adams for directing the choir, and to Mr Patrick Martin for playing the organ.
It was wonderful to have new families, families who had returned, members of our local community, Old Girls and their families, staff and other friends of our School join us for this Farnborough Hill tradition. Thank you to all who contributed in any way to this beautiful service.
Blessings to all in this Season of Advent. May our Lord Jesus Christ come to you in new and surprising ways this season.
