The season of Advent fast approaches. This year, for once, the great themes of Advent - waiting, darkness, divine absence, preparation, vigilance, readiness, judgement, expectancy and hope – seem to fit the national mood. We are granted an opportunity to dwell in the season of Advent without the many distractions of the usual premature celebration of Christmas.

Advent is a season of preparation for the coming of Christ. We look back to those who prepared the way for his first “coming” and we also look forward to Jesus’ second “coming”, when he will return as our Lord and Judge. It is a time of expectant longing and waiting, as we make ready our hearts for God’s Son to be born anew within us.

The practice of lighting candles on an Advent wreath reminds us of Jesus’ words about himself: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12). Each of the candles lit on the four Sundays before Christmas helps us to remember the different people who prepared for the coming of Jesus: the Old Testament Patriarchs and Prophets, John the Baptist and Mary the Mother of Jesus. This year we will have to wait until the Second Sunday of Advent to light our Advent wreath in church. It will be good to be back….

Rev Dr Lisa Cornwell