Advent

Nox praecessit, Dies autem appropinquabit
(The night has passed and the day shall draw near)
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Today is the first day of Advent and Mrs Dailykeith and I attended Bristol Cathedral for a wonderful candlelit service that marked the beginning of the season of preparation for Christmas.

It was truly refreshing to hear the Advent message delivered so beautifully through readings and music.

Listening to choral music takes me to a different level, and I defy anyone listening to a piece of music like Tavener's The Lamb (opens in Spotify) not to feel the same. I was delighted that this and several of my favourite hymns were on the order of service.

The only frustration on occasions like tonight is not being among the choristers. I sang in a choir for a few years - once at this very cathedral - and I know how uplifting it is to sing the tenor line, helping to produce exquisite harmonies, in these magnificent buildings.

Anyway, we still came out of the cathedral excited for the approaching Christmas.

These days Advent seems of little significance in the wider world - except in terms of chocolate goodies in countdown calendars.

And it was sad and frustrating that our search earlier in the day in the city's packed shops for a book of Advent readings drew a complete blank.

We were looking for one book in particular by Delia Smith that is excellent for this time of year and which we have accidentally left behind in Gloucestershire. Yes, that's the same Delia Smith - she is a fine writer on Christianity.

I'll have to spread the net wider tomorrow.

The photo was taken at the end of the service. It's not brilliant, but the soaring arches match the spirit.