ADVENT

Advent

Advent is a sacred season in our calendar, celebrated during the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival." This season serves as a time of preparation and reflection, focusing on the coming of Jesus Christ - not only His birth in Bethlehem but also His future return in glory.

Central to Advent are themes of hope, peace, joy, and love, which are often symbolised by the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath each Sunday. The first candle represents hope, reminding believers of the prophecies foretelling Christ’s arrival. The second stands for peace, the third for joy, often symbolised by a pink candle, and the fourth for love. Together, these candles illuminate the spiritual journey of waiting and readiness.

Advent encourages us to pause amid the busyness of the holiday season and focus on spiritual growth, prayer, and acts of kindness. It is a time of joyous expectation, and we invite you to prepare your hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to live in anticipation of His promised return, embodying the true meaning of Christmas.

Devotions for Advent 2024

The Radiant Dawn

'You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’ 

‘ You will conceive and give birth to a son… 

‘And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by…'

Following the positive responses received from church members concerning Tom Parsons’ devotions for Lent this year, (‘From Glory into Glory’), we’ve decided to stay with the same author for our Advent studies for 2024.

The Radiant Dawn’ is a collection of devotions focusing on the opening chapters of Luke’s Gospel. Parsons guides the reader through the 25 days of Advent with readings and prayers, at times pausing for several days on one passage to peer intently into Luke’s best-known narratives. 

Christmas lights may sparkle in the dark evenings we experience during the winter but they are taken down and put back in the box when January arrives. In contrast, Luke points us to Jesus, the Radiant Dawn of a day that will never end. 

Let these Advent reflections direct your heart’s gaze towards Him, the shining source of confidence and joy in whatever darkness we may experience - now or in the future. Copies available now! Get yours from Sarah. £2 each.

Advent Candles

Available to purchase now

Advent candles are a beautiful way to prepare for Christmas, symbolising hope, peace, joy, and love. These candles are lit daily during Advent, inviting moments of reflection and prayer. Each day, as you light your candle, take time to focus on the coming of Jesus and His presence in your life.

You’re encouraged to light your candle each day and read a passage symbolising Jesus’ name which are written down the candle.

Candles are available for £5 each.

Purchased from the Office or at the Fairtrade Stall on Sunday, 1st December, at St Mary’s.