In Advent we await the coming of our Saviour Jesus Christ: not only his first coming in the stable at Bethlehem but also his Second Coming at the end of time.

The readings at Mass try to instil in us a sense of expectancy and hope. The Old Testament readings will provide us with ancient prophecies of a Messiah who would come to deliver his people and usher in a new age of justice and peace.

The Gospel each week will entreat us to stay awake, repent and prepare the way of the Lord, look out for God’s grace blossoming in our lives here and now, and come to a deeper conviction that God truly is with us (Emmanuel).

Advent is a busy season, both liturgically and practically, as we prepare for Christmas. However, let’s try and stay with the ancient traditions of the Church and keep Advent as Advent: don’t be too rushed into celebrating Christmas – it will come soon enough.

For now, we await with hearts full of hope, praying: ‘Maranatha! Come Lord Jesus! Come to us; free us; heal us; help us; fill us; complete us.’