The Season of Advent | Mr Terry Thompson

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent and, with it, the start of a new liturgical year in the Catholic Church. The word Advent comes from the Latin word Adventus, meaning “arrival” or “coming.” It is a season of anticipation, preparation, and reflection as we await the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas.

Advent invites us to pause and prepare not only for the celebrations to come, but also within ourselves. This is no small challenge with the excitement of the school year ending, coupled with the lead up to Christmas. As we wrap up exams, make holiday plans, and prepare gifts, it is easy to lose sight of the deeper meaning of the season. Advent calls us to slow down, take a breath, and prepare our hearts to receive the greatest gift of all – the gift of Jesus Christ.

The Advent season is symbolised by four key themes – Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. These themes are reflected in the candles, which we light each week as a reminder of the gifts Christ brings into the world.

Hope invites us to look forward with trust in God’s promises. Peace calls us to reconcile and foster harmony in our relationships. Joy reminds us of the delight found in God’s presence, and Love encourages us to reflect God’s infinite care through our actions.

This season is also a chance to give thanks for the year's many blessings, and to share those blessings with others. Advent challenges us to go beyond the material preparations for Christmas and instead focus on meaningful connections with God, loved ones, and those in need. 

As we embark on this Advent journey, may we, as the Terrace Family, strive to embody the hope, peace, joy, and love that this season calls us to live out. May we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ, not just at Christmas but every day, and may our preparations bring true meaning to this sacred time.

Wishing you all a blessed Advent season filled with hope, peace, joy, and love.

Lord, as we head into these holidays, we are reminded that it is a time to prepare ourselves for the Christmas season.
In a world often consumed with material pleasures, may we remember the true message of the Christmas story and celebrate together in a spirit that recognises and gives thanks for the blessings we already have.
It is a time of hope for our families, a time of peace within our homes, a time to show love for each other, and a time of joy for the good news that is the birth of Jesus. May we reach out to those in need and strive to create a world that is just and fair.
Amen.

Live Jesus in our Hearts…Forever

St Joseph…Pray for Us.