Advent 2024

The word ‘Advent’ means ‘coming’. When we light the candles on the wreath, it symbolises the coming of light (Jesus) into the world.

Candle 1 (violet): represents hope

Candle 2 (violet): represents peace

Candle 3 (rose): represents joy

Candle 4 (violet): represents 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 fairer world – a world full of hope, peace, joy, and love.

First Week of Advent – Hope

Advent is a special time in the church when we prepare and get ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Gospel Reading

Luke 21:25-28. 34-36

"Amazing things will happen to the sun, moon, and stars. On earth, nations will be afraid because of the roar and fury of the sea. They will not know what to do. People will be so afraid they will faint. They will wonder what is happening to the whole world. Everything in the sky will be changed. Then people will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, don’t fear. Look up and hold your heads high because the time when God will free you is near!"

"Be careful! Don’t spend your time feasting and drinking. Or don’t be too busy with worldly things. If you do that, you will not be able to think straight. And then that day might come when you are not ready. It will close like a trap on all people on earth. So be ready all the time. Pray that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen. And pray that you will be able to stand before the Son of Man."

Reflect:

• What do you know about Advent?
• What are some things that you look forward to? How do you prepare for them?
• Why is Jesus asking us to pray?
• How can we show Jesus we are hopeful?

Second week of Advent - Peace

Advent has a focus on light, not darkness. Christ will come again as the light of the world. 

Gospel Reading

Luke 3:1-6

“This is a voice of a man
     who calls out in the desert:
 ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.
     Make the road straight for him.
 Every valley should be filled in.
     Every mountain and hill should be made flat.
 Roads with turns should be made straight,
     and rough roads should be made smooth.
 And all people will know about the salvation of God!’”

Reflect:

• John the Baptist told people to make way and prepare for the love of God. How can we get ready for more love in our lives?
• The gospel talks about forgiveness. Identify a time in your life that you would like to ask for God’s forgiveness. Is there something you need to forgive?

Third week of Advent – Joy

The third Sunday in Advent is Gaudete Sunday, from Latin meaning ‘rejoice’. 

Gospel Reading

Luke 3:10-18

The people asked John, “What should we do?”

John answered, “If you have two shirts, share with the person who does not have one. If you have food, share that too.”

Even tax collectors came to John to be baptized. They said to John, “Teacher, what should we do?”

John said to them, “Don’t take more taxes from people than you have been ordered to take.”

The soldiers asked John, “What about us? What should we do?”

John said to them, “Don’t force people to give you money. Don’t lie about them. Be satisfied with the pay you get.”

All the people were hoping for the Christ to come, and they wondered about John. They thought, “Maybe he is the Christ.”

John answered everyone, “I baptize you with water, but there is one coming later who can do more than I can. I am not good enough to untie his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. He will come ready to clean the grain. He will separate the good grain from the chaff. He will put the good part of the grain into his barn. Then he will burn the chaff with a fire that cannot be put out.” And John continued to preach the Good News, saying many other things to encourage the people.

Reflect:

• What is the good news John shared?
• What response did John the Baptist give to the people when they asked, “What must we do?”
• John is asking people to have a change of heart. How will you share this week? How can you encourage others to share too?

Fourth Week of Advent – Love

Our final days of Advent, are a time when we can reflect on our Advent journey.

Gospel Reading

Luke 1:39-44

Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the mountains of Judea. She went to Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the unborn baby inside Elizabeth jumped. Then Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. She cried out in a loud voice, “God has blessed you more than any other woman. And God has blessed the baby which you will give birth to. You are the mother of my Lord, and you have come to me! Why has something so good happened to me? When I heard your voice, the baby inside me jumped with joy. You are blessed because you believed what the Lord said to you would really happen.”

Reflect:

• Why do you think that baby John jumped with joy in Elizabeth’s womb?
• Can you remember a time when you have leapt for joy?
• Do you think a personal visit from a cousin is more special than a phone call?
• Who will you be visiting this Christmas?

Heavenly Father, your son, Jesus, is your greatest gift to us, a great sign of your love. Guide us as we strive to walk in that love together as a College this Advent. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, bring us closer to each other and to your son. Give us the grace and strength we need every day. Help us to always trust in you. Come, Lord Jesus, lead all people closer to you. Come and dispel the darkness of our world with the light of your love. Amen.

Carey Twidale