Join The Revd Steve Morris, Associate Priest of St Bride's, and St Bride's Choir for this week's reflection in words and music.

Our reflection for the second Sunday in Advent opens with the words of the Venerable Bede in a paraphrased setting of the text by Andrew Carter in his anthem "A maiden most gentle." The French melody and sparkling organ accompaniment captures the simplicity of the Christmas scene with answering upper and lower voice verses which unite in the words "Ave Maria."

The reading this week recounts John the Baptist's foretelling of the coming of Christ who will baptise not with water, but with the Holy Spirit. Steve reflects on this intriguing character.

We close with the Advent hymn "Come, thou long expected Jesus" by perhaps the greatest hymn writer, Charles Wesley.

A new episode of this online act of worship is released every Sunday morning.

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

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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. If you would like to make a donation, you can do so at https://www.justgiving.com/stbrideschurchfleetstreet