Our Lord portrays himself as the Master who goes away on a journey. It is certain that he will return, even if no-one in his household knows exactly when. That is our situation. What do we do in anticipation?

Our Lord, the Master, indicates we have a choice. We can close our eyes and enter into the world of dreams where we create our own fantasy futures, or we can stay awake and alert to do what Our Lord wants us to do: ‘He left his servants in charge, giving to each his work.’

You and me – his servants – have a particular role or work in and for this phase of human history. A deep down intuition, prompted by the Holy Spirit, indicates what this is. We must be true to this assignment.

We could take a moment to pray that, when the Lord returns, we may hear: ‘Come, good and faithful servant, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.’

About the Advent Wreath:

During each Sunday of the Advent season, we focus on one of the four virtues Jesus brings us: Hope, Love, Joy and Peace. Others consider the lighting of the first candle to symbolise expectation, while the second symbolises hope, the third joy and the fourth purity. The Christ candle is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day reminding Christians that Jesus is the light of the world. The order and exact wording vary among churches, but the wreath continually reminds us of whom we are called to be as followers of Jesus.

On the first Sunday of Advent, the first purple candle is lit. This candle is typically called the "Prophecy Candle" in remembrance of the prophets, primarily Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ:

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14, NIV)

This first candle represents hope or expectation in anticipation of the coming Messiah.

Advent Wreath Liturgy

As we begin our Advent journey we light the first candle on our Advent Wreath and place the first star on our Southern Cross.

Leader: All powerful God, increase our strength of will for doing good that Christ may find an eager welcome at his coming and call us to His side in the kingdom of heaven, where he lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit one God, forever and ever.

All : Amen