“Advent” means arrival. Today we begin the special four weeks to prepare well for the arrival of the Lord Jesus at Christmas. Most especially we prepare for God’s arrival through prayer and service. To help even more, we often make use of other symbols in church and at home including the advent wreath, advent candles, advent calendars and the nativity scene (or “crèche”).
Matthew 24:37-44
The Gospel Reading insists firmly on the sort of vigilance that does not try to study earthly circumstances for hints of God’s coming. Because He comes at an hour when no one is expecting Him, we are to be expectant constantly.
