The word Advent comes from the Latin work Adventus which means ‘coming’. The season of Advent occurs immediately before Christmas beginning on the Sunday that is closes to the feast of St Andrew (30th Nov). The season of Advent lasts for 4 weeks. Since the 9th Century the first Sunday of Advent became the beginning of the church’s year.

Advent was first celebrated in the latter part of the 6th century, and it was formerly kept as Lent, full of fasting, preparation and prayer but Advent is now celebrated with less strictness. The time of Advent is used as a time of preparation not only for Christmas but also for the second coming of Christ.

The Advent season is marked using purple vestments and decorations (purple is our get ready colour!).

Advent is a time of anticipation and hope as we prepare and wait for the celebration of the coming of Jesus at Christmas. Jesus is the source of true light and we prayer and hope that we receive this light and share it with those around us.

Listed here are some things you may like to do during this season of Advent:

• Build an advent wreath as a reminder of this time. The wreath consists of evergreens (symbolising continuous life) with four candles (traditionally three purple and one rose, the purple symbolising prayer, penance and preparatory sacrifices and the rose rejoicing that preparations for the arrival of the Christ are half over as we are at the midpoint of Advent)
• Set up a nativity scene in a focal place in your home leaving space in the crib for the baby on Christmas day
• Spend time in prayer and reflection , focusing on the season in anticipation and hope of a joyous Christmas
• List all the things that you are grateful for in your life and give thanks to the Lord in prayer for each and everyone
• Tell your family and friends how grateful you are to have them in your life
• Create a Jesse tree with your family and celebrate our Salvation History
• Reach out to neighbours who may not have others to share this season of hope with ,giving them hope as they accept your care and concern
• Support those who are suffering due to the effects of the drought or recent bushfires, making a commitment to a worthwhile cause
• Make time to plan with your family how you will celebrate the upcoming Christmas Season ensuring that it is not just about shopping and presents
• Advent ends with the Season of Christmas, the time we celebrate the true light of Christ coming to us. As you prepare for this time reflect on how you can be this source of light to others.

Four Key Themes for Advent 

Hope 

Jesus, is the hope we need in our messy world. This Advent, we ask Him to help us slow down, listen to His voice, and focus on what’s important. We place our hope in Him as we prepare our hearts to celebrate his birth on Christmas Day. 

Peace 

Jesus entered our world at Christmas as the Prince of Peace. This Advent, we could strive to become the-best-version-of-ourselves and try to be filled with a deep and abiding peace. We should share that peace with everyone we encounter, especially those who need it most. 

Joy 

Jesus, help us focus on you during this busy season. May we stay aware of the joy you bring into our lives. We want to find you in the everyday moments and come with hearts of gratitude to your manger on Christmas. 

Love 

Jesus, is always there to shine His light of your love in our hearts. As Christmas draws near, we marvel at His great love for us. We should try to let His love transform every aspect of our lives and touch everyone we encounter. Keep your hearts are open to Jesus. 

Family/Community 

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 community 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.