Advent time

Last Sunday (for those of you who are unaware) was the first Sunday of Advent in the Liturgical Calendar. So despite it not being December yet, churches everywhere around us were celebrating the beginning of the Advent season. On a tip from a couple friends (a girl from the Czech and her Greek boyfriend), Luke and I decided to take a littl bit of time off from working and head to Durham Cathedral for their Advent Carol service. Durham Cathedral was begun in the 11th Century, and contains the relics of Saint Cuthbert. It was quite wet and threatening a downpour, but we headed to the train station with umbrella's in hand. With our newly acquired rail cards, two round-trip tickets to Durham (about a 12 minute train ride) came to a total of 7 pounds. We made our way through the winding streets of the city and eventually found the Cathedral by following the sound of the bells calling people to the service. I took a couple of pictures on the approach, but no photos are allowed inside, so the only ones I have are from walking up to the Cathedral in the rain and wind, listening to the bells. It was quite a dramatic moment.

Once in the Cathedral, we were directed to the North transept, walking past hundreds of people already seated. We by chance ended up sitting right behind the couple who had recommended the service to us. The service itself was long but incredible. It began in darkness, with only the candles of the choir to illuminate the massive space. When you picture a cathedral--soaring ceilings, huge columns, elaborate pilasters, altars, shrines, everything--you are picturing Durham. Luke put it very well, saying that you don't even feel like you're inside a building most of the time. And with all the lights off and the sounds of the incredibly talented choir soaring through the space, it's hard not to feel moved. As the service continued, the lights slowly rose, Scriptures were read, more carols were sung, the congregation rose and sat and sang along... All in all, it was one of the most incredible experiences of our lives. Words don't really capture it, but we felt truly lucky to be here for such an experience. Now we just want to go back to Durham in the daylight (and preferably when it's not raining, which it does often these days) to see what looks like a pretty interesting city!