ADVENT

Advent Reflections

1st Sunday of Advent: Before the 9am Mass, the candles on the traditional Advent Wreath will be blessed, symbolising the light and love that Jesus brought into the world, the three purple candles symbolising the time of preparation and the rose candle symbolising joy and rejoicing (Gaudete). The Advent Wreath is round having no beginning and no end, made of evergreens, symbolising God's everlasting love and also that those who love God will have everlasting life with him.

An Advent Prayer
As we light the Advent candles in preparation for our celebration of the Birth of Your son, may the fire of Your love burn away the dusts of our complacency. May we be able to see the world as it really is, with so many of Your people living in poverty. We ask You to light anew the flame of our passion for justice, so that the Jubilee spirit still lives on in us. Amen

An Advent Reflection (contributed from Canada, December 2007)

Little Lord, what are hearts hoping for this Advent?
It is the Season of hope and joy, peace and love. Sweet mysterious God, coming to us in the form of a helpless baby......
Born in a stable, poor and cold, bringing to the hearts of all who love You, the message of the crowns of grace - humility and love. For God so loved us that He sent His only begotten Son into the world to capture our hearts.

'Come to the Manger!', You call.
What do we see? What are You saying from the place Wisdom has chosen for You and for us?

Animals - be kind to them for they were kinder than man to You.
Poverty and nakedness - rejected by some, forced on some, embraced by You as a sign that You alone can change what the world has made dirty into a source of grace, and it is You alone who can give us our hearts desire, for only unattached to the things of the world, surrendering the things life has inflicted upon the heart, shall we see You clearly.

Beauty and humility - Apart from You, little King, was there any more beauty and humility possible than the sight of the Mother You chose, Sweet Mary, holding You close to Her heart?
Joseph - kindness and goodness, silence and strength. A teacher to the child, and a teacher to us - if we let him.
Poor Shepherds, rich Kings........both called to show that ALL are called. Your love makes no distinction.
Why does ours?

Straw and dirt - symbols of our heart.
Didn't many "comfortable places" exist where You could have laid Your head? But You chose straw and dirt to say to us:

"I love You so much nothing you have ever done or nothing you will ever do will change that love.
And I will always, always come to the heart of those who invite me, whatever their condition, for I AM love and mercy itself.
Will you believe in such love?
Will you believe that I am capable of such love for you?
Will you lay down your pride that says your sins are bigger than my love?

Give to me the joy of believing that I am more loving, more merciful, more humble than all the sins of the world combined.
And if you believe this, won't you give me the joy of believing that you are but a tiny mess and I am big enough to fix all?
Open your hearts and say to me "Lord, I believe. Help my unbelief" and I shall come and set up my home upon the altar of your heart, and there we shall together adore the Father, who gave life to you that He may have it back through Me.
Today is the beginning of the rest of your life - believe in my love for you."

Bishop Christopher's Reflections for Advent & Christmastide
Bishop Christopher Budd has written a series of reflections for Advent and Christmastide 2007/2008 - The Year of Matthew. They can be read or downloaded by clicking on the link above.

close window

page last updated 27th January 2008  (header 27th May 2009) v 1.07 ~ ê¿ê