Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time. The season encourages alert watchfulness with the fundamental Advent prayer ‘Maranatha’ – ‘Our Lord, come’ (1 Corinthians 16.22).
Traditionally, the four Sundays of Advent are each marked by the lighting of a new candle, often arranged within an Advent Wreath. The centrall candle is lit on Christmas Day. The meaning or theme of each candle is:
| Advent 1 | The Patriarchs |
| Advent 2 | The Prophets |
| Advent 3 | John the Baptist |
| Advent 4 | The Virgin Mary |
| Christmas Day | The Christ |
Advent Study - we will be reading and studying the book ‘Knowing Jesus’ by James Alison. Rev'd Sam will be preaching at the main morning service each Sunday during Advent on the material within the relvant chapter of the book.