Advent is the season of expectation, wonder and new beginnings.In our Christian Churches it is a time when we prepare for the coming of Christ into the world.  Advent consists of the 4 weeks before Christmas and it has its own unique qualities leading into the Christmas Season. Advent is the beginning of the Church Year which is 1st December this year.

In this blog I would like to highlight the need we all have for the Advent Season. We are very aware of the buzz around this time of year. And if taken in the right spirit it can help us enter into the joy of the season.We do this by decorating our homes and buying presents for those we care about. Then we have the lovely bright lights adorning the outside of buildings in towns and in housing estates and the turning on of the Christmas tree lights. At the darkest time of the year, we bring light into our world.  It fills our hearts with a spirit  of peace and goodwill. More than ever this year we know our need for PEACE in our hearts, our homes and between countries.

But what about the ‘real meaning’ of the Advent Season and why we need to prepare spiritually in order to  celebrate Christmas?   Jesus came into the world because he loves us. And he wants to be with us and guide us on our journey. As young people would say today WOW! Think about this great invitation and gift. We are invited to dig deep and reflect and pray about this Good News. This is the work of Advent. A very good way to do this is to read the scriptures and especially the daily readings for Mass each day.The following website has the daily scripture readings for Advent and a lovely piece of art, reflecting the main message for each day. https://universalis.com/

Another lovely custom to remind us of Advent is the lighting of the candles on the Advent wreath in our homes.

The origin of the Advent Wreath comes from an ancient German tradition when families would light candles during the winter solstice to honour the return of the light.  ‘This practice was adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as a way to mark the season of Advent.

The circular shape of the wreath represents eternity, reminding us of God’s infinite love and presence in our lives. The greenery used to decorate it symbolizes everlasting life and hope given to us by Jesus. The lighting of the candles sequentially each week provides us with a tangible way to mark the passing of time and encourages us to reflect on the themes of hope, peace, joy and love.’

https://stories.svdmissions.org/the-mission-post/the-sacred-meaning-behind-the-catholic-advent-wreath

Our photo shows Sr. Monica lighting the 1st candle on the wreath. I invite you to make your own simple wreath for the table at home to remind you of this special time of preparation.

 The following is a poem by a Carmelite nuns and it reflects beautifully the spirit of Advent.

 Advent
Jessica Powers

I live my Advent in the womb of Mary.
And on one night when a great star swings free
from its high mooring and walks down the sky
to be the dot above the Christus i,
I shall be born of her by blessed grace.
I wait in Mary-darkness, faith’s walled place,
with hope’s expectance of nativity.

I knew for long she carried me and fed me,
guarded and loved me, though I could not see.
But only now, with inward jubilee,
I come upon earth’s most amazing knowledge:
someone is hidden in this dark with me.

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