Advent: Sunday 2nd December 2018

Advent is a season observed by many Christian churches as a time of expectation and preparation for the celebration of Jesus' birth at Christmas – the Christ Mass. The word 'Advent' derives from the Latin translation of the Greek word parousia, which means 'presence', 'arrival' or 'visit' and referred initially to the anticipated Second Coming of Christ at the end of time. 

There are various symbols and traditions associated with Advent, such as the Advent wreath with its four candles, Advent calendars, and Jesse Trees. Some traditions hold an Advent Fast, traditionally abstaining from meat, fish, poultry, oil, and wine, until the first star is seen in the sky on the Eve of the Nativity (24 December) – or at least until sunset on that day.

The short ceremony, below, is offered as a small counter-balance to the commercial pressures of the season, and to provide a time for reflection. It is appropriate for use by any group of people or by individuals. If possible, sit in a circle or round a table. You will need four candles, and matches to light them. Please exercise common sense when lighting candles, and do not allow there to be any risk of fire. Everyone is invited to join in saying the responsive words in bold type. There may be one leader to say the biddings, or you can take it in turns, round the circle.

The liturgies, celebrations, ceremonies, prayers, and reflections offered on this blog are the result of my thoughts, reflections, and experiences, woven together using my own words and sometimes adapting the words others have used: I am indebted to their wisdom. Please use these liturgies freely, adapting them as suits your own context. I am always pleased to hear from people who have used them.

We call to mind the prophets of old, who demanded to be heard,

and who spoke of one who would liberate the people:

       We give thanks for the prophets among us today,

       who bring surprising new visions of hope for the future,

       and challenge us to think in new ways.

We light this first candle as a symbol of those who renew our faith

in our selves and in each other, and who remind us of what may yet be:

       This is the candle of our hope for transformation

       and of our commitment to do all we can to bring about

       the well-being of all creation, starting in our own back yard.

The first candle is lit

We call to mind the shepherds in the story of Jesus' birth,

steadfast watchmen, far from the warmth of home,

guarding and guiding their flocks:

       We give thanks for the shepherds among us,

       the labourers working behind the scenes,

       ordinary people we rarely see or think of,

       yet on whom we and our society depend.

We light this candle as a symbol of those whose example spurs us on,

not allowing us to give up, even in the face of hardship and danger.

       This is the candle of the struggle for true justice,

       and of our commitment to do all we can

       to create homes and societies where every one is valued.

The second candle is lit

We call to mind Mary, mother of Jesus, innocent and powerful,

questioning and accepting and wondering:

       We give thanks for the Marys among us,

       people who break the mould, scattering our complacency,

       unintentional pioneers stepping out in faith,

       people whose ordinary lives enable the extraordinary.

We light this third candle as a symbol of those who have nurtured

and cared for those they love at their own expense.

       This is the candle of the love which overcomes fear,

       and of our commitment to step beyond our own expectations,

       to see the revolutionary in the every day,

       and every moment as a moment for change.

The third candle is lit

We call to mind Joseph, a conventional man, yet willing to change

and take on responsibilities greater than he could have dreamed of,

a man who with his family became a refugee from a violent regime,

and whose continuing story has been forgotten:

       We give thanks for the Josephs among us,

       those migrating far from home in devotion to their families,

       those diligently seeking room at the inns,

       even when doors are shut in their faces.

We light this candle as a symbol of those

who never cease knocking on doors:

       This is the candle of vulnerability and of trust,

       and of our commitment to offer refuge and haven

       to those who need our help, and not to forget their stories.

The fourth candle is lit

On Christmas Eve or Christmas Day morning it would be nice to re-light the four candles you have used today with the addition of a fifth candle in the centre

signifying the birth of Jesus and the belief that God, Divine Love and Light, 

is with us always.