Week Beginning Monday 30th November 2015 Advent - Week 1 Advent, which comes from the Latin word for "arrival" or "coming," is a period of preparation for the birth of our Lord. Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and is the start of the Christmas season, which lasts until the feast of the Baptism of Our Lord. The first Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the liturgical year, the Church's "New Year's Day," at which time we change the cycle of readings we are using at Mass.

Advent is a time of waiting, a time of preparation. Thursday 3rd December 2015 Advent is a time of waiting, a time of preparation. O LORD, grant us salvation! O LORD, grant success! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD; We bless you from the house of the LORD. The LORD is God, and he has given us light. Ps 118 Do I place my hope in God ? Do I speak to him every day, so that I may know what he wants me to do? Do I thank God for everything he gives me each day?

An Advent Examination . . . . . . . . . . Edward Hays, A Pilgrim’s Almanac, p. 196 "Advent is the perfect time to clear and prepare the Way. Advent is a winter training camp for those who desire peace. By reflection and prayer, by reading and meditation, we can make our hearts a place where a blessing of peace would desire to abide and where the birth of the Prince of Peace might take place.

Let us pray……… GOD OF HOPE, As we begin this Advent season and light this candle, we wait for your coming. Help each of us to take time during our day, to talk to you and reflect on your invitation to love and follow you. We long to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Teach us to place our hope in you and be mindful of the gift you have given us in your Son, Jesus. Amen.