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Advent

Advent means ‘coming’ and is the special four-week period leading up to Christmas. It is a time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’s birth but also for his coming in glory at the end of time.

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Lent

Lent is the six-week period leading up to Easter. It is a particular time to confess sin and to seek personal and collective renewal (a ‘springtime of the spirit’). Lent has a special focus on Jesus’s journey to the cross and prepares the Church to celebrate his resurrection.

Home Pobl Dewi: December 2024 Advent, the beginning of The Liturgical Year

Advent, the beginning of The Liturgical Year

David Gleed reflects on the coming season

Advent 4 Candles.jpg

The beauty of the liturgical year, the seasons and special days that ​celebrate the life and ministry of Jesus in a year-round cycle, is that it brings us back to​ Jesus, wherever we are and whatever we are doing, however caught up or far away we might be.

The number of seasons and days celebrated vary depending on the tradition. All Christians celebrate ​Christmas and Easter. Many also include Advent, Epiphany, Lent, Holy Week and Pentecost. In addition, a particular saint or many saints might form part of the calendar and rhythm of the year. All are celebrations of the love of Christ. All are anchor points, drawing us back to be renewed and refreshed, to be reminded; Jesus is with us, always.

And it all begins with Advent, the start of a new Liturgical year.

Alone with none but you my God

I journey on my way

What need I fear when you are near

O lord of night and day?

More secure I am within your hand

Than if a crowd did round me stand.

(St Columba)

David Gleed is a member of the Journeying team; www.journeying.co.uk