The season of Advent has come to mark the preparation for the coming of Christ – first in the Incarnation as the babe in Bethlehem and also in his second coming at the end of time. This is picked up in the themes of death and judgement.

The readings in the Advent season give the Old Testament context for the Incarnation in terms of the Patriarchs and the Prophets and the New Testament figures of John the Baptist as one pointing to Christ, and Mary his mother.

‘And we thank You
for your Son Himself will come again
in the glory of his majesty...
to say to all those who have known You and adored You
and have served You in penance:
‘Come, you blessed of my Father,
receive the kingdom,
which has been prepared for you
from the beginning of the world’.

(The Earlier Rule by St Francis)

		Music for reflection: Come Lord from 'Fountain of Life' by Margaret Rizza Copyright: Kevin Mayhew Ltd (used with permission) Wait for the Lord sung by the community of Taizé from 'Joy on Earth' Music: Taizé. © Ateliers de Presses de Taizé, France. (used with permission)
Light in the Darkness © The Benedictine Sisters of Turvey Abbey   Copyright Administration: McCrimmons Publishing Co. Ltd www.mccrimmons.com (used with permission)	Wake up Repent © The Benedictine Sisters of Turvey Abbey Copyright Administration: McCrimmons Publishing Co. Ltd www.mccrimmons.com (used with permission)
Prepare a Way  © Mary Stephen CRSS Copyright Administration: McCrimmons Publishing Co. Ltd www.mccrimmons.com	Annunciation © The Benedictine Sisters of Turvey Abbey   Copyright Administration: McCrimmons Publishing Co. Ltd www.mccrimmons.com