Advent marks the beginning of the Church’s new year and is a season of waiting and preparation. In fact, the season of Advent focuses on Christ’s threefold coming—past, present and future.

• We await and prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ at Christmas.
• We hope and give thanks for Christ’s presence in us and in the Word and sacraments.
• We look to the future, waiting for Christ to come again.

In the coming four weeks, we prepare with mounting expectation for the coming of Christ in a spirit of waiting, conversion and hope.

What is Advent? Advent in Two Minutes

Lighting the Advent Wreath Candles 

The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’. Lighting the candles on the wreath symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world. The first candle (violet) represents hope, the second (violet) peace, the third (rose) joy, and the fourth (violet) love. The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ. This Advent, we will learn, act and pray for a more just and fair world – a world full of hope, peace, joy and love, where we realise that ‘everything is connected’.

Scripture

First week of Advent (HOPE): Mark 13:24–37

Second week of Advent (PEACE): Mark 1:1–8

Third week of Advent (JOY): Luke 1:46–55

Fourth week of Advent (LOVE): Luke 1:26–38

God of Love, Loving God,

As we wait this Advent, we know you are with us: ever-present friend whose love lights up even the darkest places.

As we wait this Advent, we also pray for all in our human family who, feel the love that comes from caring for others.

God, help us share your love.

Amen