ADVENT

We have now begun a new Church year which began on the FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT.

In the season of Advent, we begin to prepare ourselves to receive Jesus in the celebration of Christmas. We make space in our lives and in our hearts, to receive anew God who became human, so that we might know him, be loved by him and share that love with others.

There are various practices that help us prepare for Christmas throughout ADVENT. The Advent Wreath is one of these traditions. You will see wreaths in most Chapels and Churches at this time, some families may also have them in their homes. Each element of the wreath has a special meaning and each week of Advent, represented by each candle, has a theme to help us grow. These themes are HOPE, PEACE, JOY and LOVE - virtues that we know our world needs more of.

Think about which of these virtues you need the most in your life today. What difference would it make to have an increase in that virtue? Take a moment of silence to ask God for the gift of that virtue this Advent.

Let us pray:

Grant your faithful, we pray, almighty God,

the resolve to run forth to meet your Christ

with righteous deeds at his coming,

so that, gathered at his right hand,

they may be worthy to possess the heavenly kingdom.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

God, for ever and ever. Amen