Catholic Identity

ADVENT 

Advent is a special time in the Christian calendar that marks the beginning of the liturgical year, typically starting four Sundays before Christmas Day. The word "Advent" itself means "coming" or "arrival," and during this season, we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Advent provides a beautiful opportunity to engage in meaningful traditions and reflections with their families. It's a time of anticipation and hope, symbolised by the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath, with each candle representing different aspects of the Christmas story.

The season encourages us to slow down and reflect on the significance of Jesus' birth, not just as a historical event but as a meaningful and personal experience. It's a time for spiritual preparation, a journey of the heart, where we focus on themes like hope, peace, joy, and love.

Advent activities, such as reading special passages from the Bible, singing hymns, or incorporating an Advent calendar to count down the days until Christmas is beneficial. It's a time for families to come together, share in the joy of the season, and reinforce the values of love, generosity, and gratitude.

Ultimately, Advent is a season of expectation, reminding us of the profound message of Christmas – the arrival of hope and light in the form of a tiny baby, whose birth would go on to change the world.

In this Advent of expectation, draw us together in unity, that our praise and worship might echo in these walls and also through our lives. 

Advent is not explicitly mentioned in the Bible as a specific liturgical season. However, the themes of Advent, such as anticipation, love, joy, and hope, and the coming of the Messiah, are woven throughout the Scriptures. One commonly referenced passage during the Advent season is from the Old Testament:

Scripture: Isaiah 9:6 

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

This verse from the book of Isaiah is often associated with the anticipation of the coming Messiah, which aligns with the Advent themes of waiting and hope for the birth of Jesus.

Reflection 

As we approach the joyous season of Advent, we turn our hearts to the prophetic words of Isaiah: "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given..." (Isaiah 9:6, NIV). Lord, we reflect on the profound meaning of these words and the extraordinary gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ.

In this season of anticipation, may we, as parents, find inspiration in the promise of a child who brings light and hope into our lives. Just as the government rests upon His shoulders, help us to surrender our worries and burdens to You. Grant us the wisdom to parent with love, guided by the example of Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor.

As we prepare for the celebration of His birth, may our homes be filled with the peace that surpasses all understanding. May we, as families, emulate the qualities attributed to Him—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Lord, we pray for the strength to be sources of peace and comfort in our homes, creating an atmosphere where Your love is tangible. Help us to be present for our children, offering guidance and support as they navigate life's journey.

We thank You for the incredible gift of Jesus, the ultimate expression of Your love for us. May this Advent season deepen our faith, renew our hope, and strengthen our bonds as families. In Jesus' name, we pray.

Prayer 

God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells between us. God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells between us. God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells between us. God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the centre, the focus of our lives always, and particularly this Advent time.

“Mary, did you know?” - reflection song