An Advent Message from Fr Richard
Not long to Christmas now! We are currently around the mid-point of Advent. There is much more to this time of year than just a countdown to Christmas. Advent is a season of its own in the Church’s year and is symbolised by the colour purple and by the coloured candles which are used for each Sunday during this time (three purple, one rose and a central white one for the coming of Christmas).
During this time we can think about what it means to live in the expectation, not only of Christmas, but of the coming of Jesus Christ whose birth we are preparing to celebrate. The Advent candles represent: the Patriarchs who first led the people of Israel; the Prophets, who announced the coming of a Saviour; John the Baptist, who pointed Jesus out for other people and called them to prepare a way for him; and the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to the Son of God.
So we can see that the birth of a Messiah was expected long before Jesus was born. When he came, not everyone was prepared for him and many did not accept him. Yet his life, death and resurrection brought change to the lives of so many and still does today. Those who live in the hope and expectation of knowing Jesus and the life he brings will not be disappointed. We need to prepare a way for him in our own lives though. This means turning away from the darkness of selfishness and cynicism. It means being prepared to grow in faith and in love for others.
Christmas is an exciting time of year, but it can be a sad time also for many people. The Advent hope is that even in our sadness we can find our lives lit up by the presence of the Christ who was born in Bethlehem and who promised to be with us now and always. It is my own hope that many more people will find this special joy and the peace of knowing that we are loved unconditionally by the God who is always with us.
Not long to Christmas now! We are currently around the mid-point of Advent. There is much more to this time of year than just a countdown to Christmas. Advent is a season of its own in the Church’s year and is symbolised by the colour purple and by the coloured candles which are used for each Sunday during this time (three purple, one rose and a central white one for the coming of Christmas).
During this time we can think about what it means to live in the expectation, not only of Christmas, but of the coming of Jesus Christ whose birth we are preparing to celebrate. The Advent candles represent: the Patriarchs who first led the people of Israel; the Prophets, who announced the coming of a Saviour; John the Baptist, who pointed Jesus out for other people and called them to prepare a way for him; and the Virgin Mary, who gave birth to the Son of God.
So we can see that the birth of a Messiah was expected long before Jesus was born. When he came, not everyone was prepared for him and many did not accept him. Yet his life, death and resurrection brought change to the lives of so many and still does today. Those who live in the hope and expectation of knowing Jesus and the life he brings will not be disappointed. We need to prepare a way for him in our own lives though. This means turning away from the darkness of selfishness and cynicism. It means being prepared to grow in faith and in love for others.
Christmas is an exciting time of year, but it can be a sad time also for many people. The Advent hope is that even in our sadness we can find our lives lit up by the presence of the Christ who was born in Bethlehem and who promised to be with us now and always. It is my own hope that many more people will find this special joy and the peace of knowing that we are loved unconditionally by the God who is always with us.
Calendar for remainder of December
Coffee Mornings:
From 10.00am every Tuesday throughout December (except Christmas Day!)
Services:
Wed 19th Dec 12.00 noon Feria
Thur 20th Dec 12.00 noon Feria
Sun 23rd Dec 9.30am Parish Mass
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass 11.30pm
The Christmas Day Benefice Mass will be at St Peters at 10.00am
Benefice Mass on 30th December will be at St Andrews at 10.00am.
Coffee Mornings:
From 10.00am every Tuesday throughout December (except Christmas Day!)
Services:
Wed 19th Dec 12.00 noon Feria
Thur 20th Dec 12.00 noon Feria
Sun 23rd Dec 9.30am Parish Mass
Christmas Eve Midnight Mass 11.30pm
The Christmas Day Benefice Mass will be at St Peters at 10.00am
Benefice Mass on 30th December will be at St Andrews at 10.00am.
Social Activities:
The Christmas Dinner was held this year at the Crown Inn on Monday 10th December. It included a raffle and quiz - great meal and great company. Thanks to Cath, Michael and the team for their hard work in helping make this an enjoyable evening.
Worsbrough Brass once again gave a super performance in church on Thursday 13th December. The programme really put us in the Christmas spirit - thanks to all who supported this event. We look forward to our next concert hopefully in September next year.
The Christmas Dinner was held this year at the Crown Inn on Monday 10th December. It included a raffle and quiz - great meal and great company. Thanks to Cath, Michael and the team for their hard work in helping make this an enjoyable evening.
Worsbrough Brass once again gave a super performance in church on Thursday 13th December. The programme really put us in the Christmas spirit - thanks to all who supported this event. We look forward to our next concert hopefully in September next year.
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