December 1st 2024 FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

f
A new Church Year begins. We move into the
season of Advent. The word ‘advent’ means
‘coming’. During these days we are asked to think
about the coming of Christ at Christmas, His
coming at the end of time, and His coming into
our lives every day. In other words, we look back,
we look forward and we look around. It is really a
four-week course in waiting. Like its cousin, Lent,
it is a season for reflection and reformation. We
have travelled the road often, but sometimes we
see something for the first time on familiar roads.
As we gaze on the Advent wreath today we might
reflect on the circle of life with its constant cycle
of endings and beginnings, comings and goings,
while the gentle flame of the candle should reassure
us that the darkest night cannot quench the light
of hope which a tiny infant brought to our world
over two thousand years ago. ‘Advent is a journey
towards Bethlehem. May we let ourselves be
drawn by the light of God made man’. (Pope Francis).