Advent is a time of waiting.
The Advent wreath with the progressive lighting of the five candles, Sunday after Sunday until the Solemnity of Christmas, is a recollection of the various stages of salvation history prior to Christ’s coming. The blessing of the wreath takes place on the first Sunday of Advent.
It is constructed of a circle of evergreen branches into which are inserted five candles; thee purple, one rose and one white which is lit on Christmas Day.
The rose candle is lit on the third Sunday, for this colour anticipates and symbolises the joy announced in the first word of the Entrance antiphon: Rejoice Gaudete.
The white one represents Christ, his coming to us at Christmas, and reminds us of His second coming at the end of time.
Led by the power of the spirit we are filled with joy, a spirit who leads his disciples to have a love for Jesus and our neighbour as ourselves. Concern for the other and their needs is at the very heart of the Gospel.
Jesus first
Others second
Yourself last
Let us live by the spirit and share his value of peace, joy and love, to a world filled with death and darkness. Let us spread the Good News that Jesus, our Saviour, the light of the world, has come to redeem us.
Let us use our given talents to make this world a better place and to make poverty history. Jesus shall reign and His light shall shine for all to see as we build up His kingdom on Earth.
Fr Vincent Curtis.