Darkness into light: Marking the start of Advent

People are invited to journey from darkness into light at services across our cathedrals this weekend marking the start of the season of Advent.

Darkness into light: Marking the start of Advent

Advent Sunday starts a new year in the Church’s calendar, and everyone is welcome to attend these uplifting and inspiring acts of worship. Do check out services at your local cathedral for the latest information and up to date times.

Bradford Cathedral will mark the holy season of Advent by switching on its Star in the Tower ahead of Sunday evening’s Advent Procession when the cathedral will start in darkness for an atmospheric candlelit service with the cathedral choir.

There is a special service of quiet and reflective music and readings for Advent in Coventry Cathedral on Sunday evening too as it looks towards the light and hope of Christmas.

The service starts in an almost completely dark cathedral and slowly builds up with more and more candlelight, there is poetry, music and readings and the service finishes at the high altar with a prayer of blessing to lead people on a journey through the weeks of Advent and the days of December to the great celebration that is Christmas Day.

This is one of our Coventry’s free Christmas services and does not require tickets. Donations are very welcome to help them keep the doors open and continue to run free Christmas events for the community.

Light in our Darkness, 3rd December, 6.30pm Coventry Cathedral

Gloucester Cathedral will hold its dramatic darkness to light Advent Procession this Sunday, marking the start of its Advent season of worship and events and is inviting people to find peace and joy within its walls this year.

As the daylight fades on the first day of Advent, Hereford Cathedral warmly invites everyone to join them to gather for their Advent Carol Service to look forward to the coming of Christ in a service which celebrates hope at the darkest time of the year.

The service starts with a slow procession through the nave, from west to east, which represents the leaving behind of the darkness of night and moving towards the light of the rising sun, and towards a time when the love of God is triumphant over evil and death.

The Bible readings in the service tell the story of how the people of God looked forward to the coming of the Messiah and all that his loving presence would bring to the world.

Between the readings, Hereford Cathedral Choir will sing a selection of Advent carols.

The Revd Canon Andrew Piper, Precentor at Hereford Cathedral, said:

“With war continuing in Europe and the Middle East, and climate change wreaking havoc in countries around the planet, our world can feel increasingly dark and threatening.

“So why not join us for this service, which radiates light and joy, and reaffirms the prophets’ hope of a brighter future.”

Advent Carol Service Hereford Cathedral 3.30 pm Sunday 1 December.

Experience the beauty of Advent in an atmospheric service as Portsmouth Cathedral moves from darkness to light, symbolising the world’s journey from despair to hope.

‘Darkness to Light’ an Advent Carol Service, Portsmouth Cathedral 1 Dec, 5:45pm – 6:45pm

Ripon Cathedral’s Advent Procession & Carol Service is this Sunday evening when the cathedral will be lit entirely by candles for the service with Ripon Cathedral Choir as they celebrate the Advent themes of watching and waiting in hope for the world.

Salisbury Cathedral’s world famous From Darkness to Light: The Advent Procession will mark the official beginning of Advent at the Cathedral and will take place on three nights from 29 November to 1 December. The Cathedral will be plunged into darkness and over 1,000 candles are gradually lit as two great processions move through the Cathedral with beautiful music and readings.