Tomorrow – December 3 – a daily series of podcasts with music, readings and reflections for Advent presented by the Church of England will commence.
The new series of free inspirational ‘on the go’ podcasts for Advent are based on the Reflections for Daily Prayer series from Church House Publishing, a highly successful iPhone/iPad app, with more than 30,000 downloads in around 100 countries since its launch in late 2011.
In an introductory video the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Willams, describes Advent as a time to journey towards “something better, something fuller, and something more joyful”. He adds that “the invitation for us, in these Reflections for Advent, is to embark on that journey – that opening up towards the light – knowing confidently that there will be a bursting through into light, into fresh air, into the newness that Christmas brings”.
The Revd Arun Arora, the Archbishops’ Council’s Director of Communications, said: “These podcasts are the ideal opportunity for busy people to take church with them on the go using their iPods or Smart Phones. They can reflect on Advent themes, be it on a busy commute or after a day of Christmas shopping.”
In the podcasts, which begin tomorrow, BBC Radio 4 favourite the Revd Angela Tilby reads reflections on Revelation 19 to 22, while the Revd Prof Jeff Astley looks at passages from 1 Thessalonians, 2 Thessalonians, Jude and 2 Peter.
Musical contributions to the podcast include newly recorded songs, ancient plainsong and anthems by contemporary composers (including John Tavener and Judith Weir) from the new critically acclaimed Advent at Merton CD (Delphian Records) from the Choir of Merton College Oxford.
Full details of the readings and music featured are available on a specially published Reflections for Advent webpage – www.churchofengland.org/advent
Reflections for Daily Prayer is available from www.chpublishing.co.uk/reflections.
ITunes App
https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/church-of-england-podcasts/id264931305