Hymns for Advent: John the Baptist ...

Starting with the prophecies of Isaiah, Handel takes us through the Christmas story, and on through the Passion, the Resurrection and the Glorification of Christ. No wonder there are so many performances of Handel's Messiah at this time of year... If you get a chance to listen to one, it's a good way of preparing for Christmas, and reflecting on the deeper meaning of the Incarnation.
Some of the hymns we sing during Advent take the preaching of John the Baptist as a starting point."On Jordan's bank, the Baptist's cry announces that the Lord is nigh;come,then and hearken, for he brings glad tidings from the king of kings."
Monsignor Philip Whitmore in a programme produced by Veronica Scarisbrick...
Listen: