Advent Hope

On Advent Sunday, Sean Fletcher begins a series of programmes exploring some of the themes of the Advent season, beginning with stories and hymns celebrating hope.

Sean meets theologian Dr Krish Kandiah, who explains the deep significance and meaning of the Advent season and the role hope plays in the Bible.

We hear from a man who helped keep hope alive during one of the seemingly most desperate situations in recent memory. When 33 Chilean miners were trapped underground in 2010, the story gripped the world for nearly three months. At the centre of it all was Bishop Alf Cooper, a British-Chilean chaplain who led prayers with rescuers and families above ground. Fifteen years on, he reflects on the remarkable rescue and what it taught him about hope.

Sean also hears the moving testimony of singer and songwriter Talia Dean. Despite wowing judges on The X Factor, Talia’s musical journey didn't go the way she hoped, leaving her feeling lost and empty. Having hit rock bottom around Christmas two years ago, she tells Sean how an epiphany helped to rediscover her faith. She then shares her first worship music release, Praise Your Name.

With hymns of hope for Advent Sunday:

1. Hills of the North, Rejoice – St George's Church, Jesmond
2. Tell Out My Soul – Huddersfield Town Hall
3. You Raise Me up – JB Gill and Shalom Chorale
4. O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Hereford Cathedral
5. Praise His Name – Talia and St Anne's Gospel Choir
6. Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending – Kendal Parish Church