This week we lit the first candle on our advent wreath.

The first week of Advent in the Catholic liturgical calendar marks the beginning of the Church’s spiritual journey towards the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

As the faithful light the first candle on the Advent wreath, symbolising hope, we enter a season of anticipation and preparation.

This week is dedicated to reflecting on the virtue of hope, as we eagerly await the coming of the Messiah. The Scripture readings during this time often focus on prophecies foretelling the birth of Christ and the promise of salvation. We engage in prayer, contemplation, and acts of charity, aligning our hearts with the hopeful expectation of Christ’s arrival.

The first week of Advent serves as a poignant reminder to remain vigilant and spiritually awake, embracing the anticipation that defines the Advent season in anticipation of the joyous celebration of Christmas.

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah. – Jeremiah 33:14