ADVENT
The season of expectant waiting and preparation as we look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ and His coming into our lives
Advent
As the days grow shorter and we light the candles on our Advent wreath, we begin one of the most beautiful seasons of the Christian year - a time of expectation and hope. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival”. From the earliest centuries of the Church, Christians have used this season to prepare both for the celebration of Christ’s birth and for His coming again in glory.
Advent is often seen as a time of quiet waiting, but it is also a time rich with stories of faith and courage. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, the Church calendar brings us close to a remarkable company of saints - witnesses who point us to Christ’s light in the midst of darkness.
So as we move through these weeks, lighting candles, singing familiar hymns, and preparing our hearts, may we do so in the company of those who have gone before us in faith - saints who remind us that Christ is always coming to us, always bringing light to the world.
Advent marks the beginning of the church year - a season of waiting, watching, and preparing our hearts to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to look forward to His coming again. It's a time filled with hope, peace, joy, and love as we journey together towards Christmas and beyond.
Join us over the next four Sundays as we discover more about Advent and this year’s Christmas theme, 'Follow the Star'.
Sunday Mornings in Advent
Advent Sunday – 30th November – Star of Hope
Advent 2 – 7th December – Star of Peace
Advent 3 – 14th December – Star of Joy
Advent 4 – 21st December – Star of Love
Follow our Advent Journey through to Christmas and Beyond
This first Sunday of Advent invites us to follow the Star of Hope, beginning our journey towards Christmas with anticipation, joy, and hope for all ages. Families are invited to start the service together, with children of primary school age leaving during the sermon to join Fun & Faith for Advent activities, returning later to share in Communion.
As we enter the Second Sunday of Advent, our focus turns to the theme of Peace - following the star that guides us towards hope, light and the promised coming of Christ. In a world that often feels restless and uncertain, Advent invites us to pause, reflect and realign our hearts with God's promise of peace that surpasses all understanding.
As we reach the Third Sunday of Advent, our journey towards Christmas grows brighter. This week, we pause at the Star of Joy, a beacon of light in the midst of waiting, reminding us that God’s joy is already breaking into our world. On our Advent wreath, we will light the third candle — the candle of joy — a gentle but powerful reminder that even in uncertain or challenging times, there is a deep and steady joy to be found in the coming of Christ.
As we enter the Fourth Sunday of Advent, our path to Bethlehem is lit by the Star of Love. This week, we draw closer to the heart of the Christmas story: God’s love made known in the promise of new life. On our Advent wreath, we will light the fourth candle — the candle of love — a reminder of the self-giving, transforming love that lies at the very centre of our faith.