From the REC
| Advent Commences | |
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First Sunday of Advent Year C First Reading Jeremiah 33:14-16 The day is coming when the Lord will fulfil his promises. Second Reading 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:2 Conduct yourself in a way pleasing to God. Gospel Luke 21:25-28. 34-36 Be ready for the second coming. |
Second Sunday of Advent Year C First Reading Baruch 5:1-9 Take off your robe of mourning, put on the splendour of glory. Second Reading Phillippians 1:3-6. 8-11 He who has begun the good work in you will bring it to completion. Gospel Juke 3:1-6 John the Baptist proclaims a baptism of repetance. |
What is Advent?
Advent marks the beginning of the liturgical year in the Church. It is a time of waiting with expectant hope. We wait for the coming of our Savior and we remember when he first came into our world. It begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas.
Each week we light a candle on our Advent wreath, recognizing the gifts that have been given to us and for us to see that we go from darkness into light.
December 1 - First Sunday of Advent (purple candle - Hope)
December 8 - Second Sunday of Advent (purple candle – Peace)
December 15 - Third Sunday of Advent (pink candle – Joy)
December 22 - Fourth Sunday of Advent (purple candle - Love)
Why Is Advent Important?
Advent can be a simple and fun tradition of counting down to Christmas. But for others— particularly those who believe Jesus to be the incarnation of God and the long-awaited Messiah — Advent is a shared experience of meditation and prayer that celebrates the arrival of Jesus.
Who Celebrates Advent?
People from Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and other Christian traditions celebrate Advent, though the specific practices may vary from community to community. Additionally, some people celebrate Advent without the focus on Jesus' arrival, seeing the tradition as a fun way to countdown to Christmas.
How Is Advent Typically Celebrated?
In some traditions, followers of Jesus devote the first two weeks of Advent to remembering Jesus' promise to return and renew Heaven and Earth. Then, during the last two weeks of Advent, these communities focus on the birth of Jesus.
In other traditions, people reflect on the concepts of hope, peace, love, and joy—one for each week leading up to Christmas. People may light Advent candles, prepare unique wreaths, hold special church services, or read specific Scriptures each day to reflect on the arrival of Jesus on Earth.
Mrs Christine Meharg