Advent is four weeks long and marks the beginning of the Christian year. The word ‘advent’ literally means ‘coming’ and it is a time of reflection on the coming of Christ into the world, at his birth. It is also a time of preparation when Christians think about the second coming of Christ, and what they need to do to be ready for his return. On the first Sunday of Advent, we light one purple candle on the advent wreath, representing hope. Flickering against the darkness of the world that surrounds us, the fragile flame reminds us that our journey along the road to Christmas has begun, and because God has come amongst us, hope remains.
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you.”