Advent

This week's devotional comes from the Glenstal Book of Prayer, a Benedictine prayer book. We're entering the season of Advent, an important time of preparation for the celebration of Christmas. Use the following reading to mediatate upon the coming of Christ, and ask yourself, am I really ready for Christmas this year??

"The church's liturgical year begins with the season of Advent, which means arrival or coming. We recall the first coming of Christ (in the incarnation at Christmas) and anticipate his final coming (at the end of time). We celebrate with joy his daily coming in the time of the church, in word and sacrament. It is a season of hope and anticipation: purple vestments symbolize the yearning of the church and of all creation for the transforming light of Christ."

Prayer:
Ever faithful God,
your prophets foretold the coming of the light.
In your name they promised
that the eyes of the blind would be opened.
We confidently await the coming of your Son,
and the day when he will gather all people
to live in your light, for ever and ever. Amen.