The First Sunday of Advent

This Sunday we begin a new liturgical calendar, Year C which focusses on the Gospel of Luke.

This Sunday we begin our liturgical preparation for the Christmas.

This Sunday is the First Sunday of Advent.

This Sunday we will light the first candle on the our Advent wreath, the candle of Hope.

A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke

There will be signs in the sun, the moon, and the stars, and on the earth distress among nations confused by the roaring of the sea and the waves. People will faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world, for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. Then they will see ‘the Son of Man coming in a cloud’ with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

Be on guard so that your hearts are not weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of this life, and that day does not catch you unexpectedly, like a trap. For it will come upon all who live on the face of the whole earth. Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.

The Gospel of the Lord

All: Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ

We know that Jesus came to save us. 

Still we do things that are wrong and turn away from God. 

The Advent readings remind us that not only did Jesus come, but he will come again. 

We must be ready, since we do not know when the Son of God will return.

May your Advent, not just be a time of great rush and shopping, may it be a time to pause and prepare yourself spiritually for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. 

Many you celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby, but also for his presence among us today through the Holy Spirit, and in preparation and anticipation of his final coming at the end of the age.

Take care and keep safe,

Jo Cowan

Religious Education Leader