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Advent is a season of preparation and anticipation leading up to the celebration of the birth of Jesus at Christmas.The word ‘Advent’ is derived from the Latin word ‘adventus’ which means coming or arrival. The season typically lasts for four weeks. This year the first Sunday of Advent will be November 30th and December 21st will be the 4th Sunday of Advent.During Advent we should engage in a time of spiritual reflection, penance and joyful expectation. Advent serves as a period of both looking back to the anticipation of the Messiah ’s birth in Bethlehem and looking forward to the second coming of Christ.The liturgical colour for Advent is purple - symbolising penance and preparation. The altar is devoid of flowers and replaced with an Advent wreath consisting of greenery and four candles - three white and one rose coloured. The rose candle is lit on Gaudete Sunday - the third Sunday and represents joy.

The first Sunday of Advent – the first reading is Isaiah 2:1-5. Second reading Romans 13:11-14 and the Gospel Matthew 24:37-44.The first candle for Hope is lit.

On the second Sunday of Advent – December 7th the first reading is from Isaiah once again 11:1-10, second reading Romans 15:4-9 and Matthew for the Gospel 3: 1-12. The second candle for peace is lit.

On the third Sunday of Advent – December 14th we continue with Isaiah 35: 1-6,10 now James is our second reading 5:7-10 and Matthew our Gospel 11:2-11. The third candle of rejoice is lit.

The fourth Sunday of Advent – December 21st Isaiah is the first reading7:10-14, Romans for our second ending 1:1-7 and the Gospel Matthew 1:18-24. The fourth candle for love will be lit.

Overall, Advent is a time for us to prepare our hearts and minds for the celebration of the coming of Christ at Christmas.