Where December has become so overburdened with commercial and social pressures, we can too easily lose the sense of expectation, hoping and waiting that is at the heart of Advent. The liturgy in Advent Pilgrimage, written by Chris Thorpe, offers a very real alternative to the mad headlong rush, and allows people to ground themselves, to maintain their balance, through December. Advent Pilgrimage takes us on a journey through four ‘Stations’: Hoping, Waiting, Fearing, and Preparing. Each station provides a selection of anthems and hymns reflecting the theme and the voices we hear along the way. Through the service of readings, prayers, music and silence, we allow space for reflection and listening, both to our own inner voice, and to the still small voice of God. Advent Pilgrimage provides a resource of anthems, hymns and songs for Advent in a variety of styles and standards, including new works by Thomas Hewitt Jones, Piers Maxim and Peter Nardone, as well as Taizé chants, traditional Advent hymns and contemporary songs. Chris Thorpe is a parish priest in Shifnal, Shropshire, in the Diocese of Lichfield, and a Prebendary of Lichfield Cathedral. He has worked in parishes in Walsall and Wolverhampton and is passionate about churches living at the heart of their community. CONTENT: Gathering Introit The Advent Prose (plainchant) 2 or Thomas Hewitt Jones: Matin Responsory 5 or Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina: Rorate Caeli 9 Welcome 17 Hymn Christ be our light 18 or Creator of the starry height 24 HOPING Voices of Hope 26 Anthem Matthew Owens: Ut queant laxis 28 or Bryan Kelly: Hark! a messenger is calling 34 or Margaret Rizza: The Song of Zechariah (Benedictus) 39 Reflection Chant: Bless the Lord my soul 47 Prayers of Recognition Hymn There is a hope that burns within my heart 49 or Hark, a thrilling voice is sounding 60 WAITING Voices of Waiting 62 Anthem Piers Maxim: Wait for the Lord 64 or David Ogden: Advent Calendar 67 or Felix Mendelssohn: I waited for the Lord 74 Reflection Chant: Wait for the Lord 86 Prayers of Recognition Hymn How long, O Lord, will you forget 88 or Come, thou long-expected Jesus 90 FEARING Voices of Fearing 91 Anthem Richard Shephard: Advent Carol 93 or Thomas Hewitt Jones: There is no rose of such virtue 98 or Paul Mealor: Ubi Caritas 106 Reflection Chant: Don’t be afraid, my love is stronger 112 Prayers of Intercession Hymn Earth was waiting, spent and restless 116 or Lo, he comes with clouds descending 118 PREPARING Voices of Preparing 124 Anthem Peter Nardone: The Lord will come and not be slow 126 or Felix Mendelssohn: How lovely are the messengers 131or William Mathias: Lift up your heads 141 Reflection Wilderness Time Chant: The Kingdom of God is justice and peace 148 Prayers of Recognition Blessing 149 Hymn O come, O come, Emmanuel 150