Advent

Advent marks the beginning of the Church's liturgical year, Advent is the season encompassing the four Sundays (and weekdays) leading up to the celebration of Christmas.

The Advent season is a time of preparation that directs our hearts and minds to Christ’s second coming at the end of time and to the anniversary of Our Lord’s birth on Christmas. From the earliest days of the Church, people have been fascinated by Jesus’ promise to come back. But the scripture readings during Advent tell us not to waste our time with predictions. Advent is not about speculation. Our Advent readings call us to be alert and ready, not weighted down and distracted by the cares of this world. 

Like Lent, the liturgical colour for Advent is purple since both are seasons that prepare us for great feast days. Advent also includes an element of penance in the sense of preparing, quieting, and disciplining our hearts for the full joy of Christmas.

The Advent wreath, reminds us of the meaning of the season. The four candles within the wreath are lit each Sunday leading up to Christmas and represent hope, peace, joy, and love. On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the first candle on the Advent wreath, which is purple in colour. This candle is called the "Hope" or "Prophet's Candle," symbolising the anticipation of the coming Messiah and the hope that He brings to the world. The Scripture readings and prayers during this week often focus on the prophecies in the Old Testament about the promised Savior and the expectation of His arrival. 

A Prayer for the the first Sunday of Advent

This is Advent, 

this season of promise. 

In our prayers we prepare for the birth of a baby in a stable in Bethlehem, 

we remind ourselves that this child will become the Saviour of the World 

who will return again in power and glory to draw all of his children together with songs of everlasting praise. 

The promise of the baby is also the promise of eternal life to all who believe.

Amen