One of the great blessings of Advent is its insistence that the community be exposed to the wonder of genuinely new possibilities. Advent does this and always at the moment when we are most in need of light. Centuries after the birth of Christ, darkness still envelops much of the world we live in. It is easy to name the world’s darkness and our own darknesses.

The readings for the first Sunday of Advent call us out of darkness into a kind of energy, into the light and excitement of new possibilities. “I will fulfil the promise” (Jeremiah) “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love… and strengthen your hearts in holiness”  (Thessalonians). The gospel speaks of signs and despite the darkness we “will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud... stand up and raise your heads.”

The readings connect us with St. Sophie’s call to her daughters: “Courage, mon âme”. All through the texts we find encouragement; someone is either giving encouragement or seeking it. The psalmist’s ability to persevere, no matter what, springs from his conviction that God is faithful to God’s promise and therefore his word can be trusted. This becomes the source of courage in his life. 

For your prayerful consideration we suggest that you use the liturgy for the First Sunday of Advent or the Morning/Evening prayer as found in the missalette. Choose the music according to your taste. The following questions for reflection may be of help.

• Where do you find challenge, light, strength, in today’s readings?
• Do you believe in the wonder of genuinely new possibilities for yourself? for the world? for the church? What might these be?