Let there be light …
 

 Dear Friends

Introduction by Mary Greaves: This week I’m looking at the Advent Wreath – A Symbol of Light in Darkness
The Advent wreath is one of the most recognisable symbols of the Advent season in Christian tradition. With its evergreen circle and candles, the wreath represents eternity and the everlasting light of Christ. Each candle lit during the four weeks of Advent symbolises hope, peace, joy, and love, leading up to the lighting of the Christ candle on Christmas Day. For Christians, the act of lighting these candles is deeply symbolic. The growing light represents the approach of Jesus, the “Light of the World,” bringing hope to a world in spiritual darkness. It’s a moment to reflect on the promises of God and the fulfilment of those promises in the person of Jesus Christ.

The light of the Advent wreath is a universal symbol of hope and enlightenment, present in many traditions and cultures. For instance, during this same time of year, many Jewish families light the menorah for Hanukkah, celebrating the miracle of light. Similarly, the Hindu festival of Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of light over darkness.

Advent, with its emphasis on light, reminds people of all beliefs of the importance of hope and resilience. In the darkest days of winter, the simple act of lighting a candle can be a profound gesture, reflecting a shared human desire to overcome adversity and seek renewal. The Advent wreath, can serve as both a religious symbol and a universal reminder of the light we can bring into the world through acts of love and compassion.

Remember – each candle lit whispers hope into the darkness. Mary Greaves

A Season of Expectation …
 

 Dear Friends

Mary Greaves leads us into the First Sunday of Advent:

This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and over the coming weeks I’d like to look at Advent in more detail. This week I’d like to consider it as a season of expectation.

Advent, derived from the Latin word ‘adventus’, means “coming.” For Christians, this season marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas, a time of preparation and reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ. Traditionally, it is a time to anticipate not only the celebration of Jesus’ first coming as a baby in Bethlehem but also His second coming as the promised Messiah. Advent is steeped in Christian practices, we light the Advent wreath weekly, read Scripture, pray and sing carols that reflect hope, peace, joy, and love. These practices offer us an opportunity to pause and consider the spiritual significance of God entering the world in human form.

The themes of hope and waiting are universal. In a world often filled with busyness and uncertainty, the Advent season invites people of all beliefs to embrace the value of stillness and anticipation. For all of us, then, Advent can be a time to focus on personal growth and to reflect on the universal themes of kindness and generosity often emphasised during this season.

Advent ia a time when we are encouraged  to consider how we can bring light to others’ lives. Acts of service, charity, and mindfulness can transcend boundaries. In a divided world, Advent becomes a reminder of shared humanity and the hope that unites us all.

So, let’s embrace the Advent themes of expectation and renewal which speak to the human heart’s longing for meaning and connection.

So let the Advent countdown to joy begin. Mary Greaves 

Welcome to our Christmas Fayre tomorrow starting at 12.30pm. Please find the Diary of Services over the Christmas period and the Newsletter for this week

God Bless  

Fr Herbert, Fr Reginald and Fr Bryan

Advent

Sunday 1st December is the First Sunday of Advent and we will have the introduction of the new Lectionaries as the book of readings from the Bible at Holy Mass. Thank you to the members of our Parish who so generously contributed towards the cost of the new Lectionaries.  Our Bishop has written a pastoral letter introducing the new Readings and thanking our readers at Mass. The New Rota for Readers and Eucharistic Ministers if available at the back of Church. 

Christmas Fayre

Sunday 1st December is the Parish Christmas Fayre. Please donate Bottles and other items requested for the Fayre. Please contact Susan Riley if you would like to help in the Fayre. 

Carols for Peace Sunday 15th December at 1.30pm 

Come and join us with your family