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First Sunday of Advent
Hope - Peace - Joy - Love

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2:37 Hymn

A reflection on Advent.

The First Sunday of Advent opens the new liturgical year with a call both urgent and hopeful. Jesus speaks of signs in the sun, moon, and stars—images that can unsettle us—but His purpose is not to frighten; it is to awaken. Advent begins not with sentimentality but with clarity: history is moving toward God, and every heart is invited to be ready for the Lord who comes in glory.

Christ urges us to “stand erect, hold your heads high,” for redemption draws near. In a world often burdened by anxiety, confusion, and noise, this is a word of astonishing encouragement. We are not called to shrink before the world’s storms, but to live as people of hope—upright, alert, anchored in the promise that God is faithful. Advent turns our attention to vigilance, not fear; to longing, not dread; to joyful expectation, not passivity.

Jesus warns against hearts weighed down by dissipation, drunkenness, and the worries of life. In every age, distractions cloud the soul and dull our spiritual senses. Advent is a time to reclaim interior clarity—to breathe again, pray again, listen again. The coming of the Son of Man will be sudden, but those who live prayerfully will recognise His presence already blossoming in their midst.

As the Church lights the first candle, the small flame becomes a symbol of what God desires to kindle in us: an awakened heart, a steady hope, a readiness to meet Christ in the ordinary and the eternal. The Lord who once came in humility, who comes now in mystery, and who will come in glory invites us to stand firm in grace. May this Advent open our eyes to His nearness and root our lives in the radiant hope that “our redemption is at hand.”

So, let us pray.
Lord Jesus, as we begin this holy season of Advent, awaken our hearts to Your coming. Calm our fears and lift our eyes to the hope You promise. Free us from the distractions that weigh us down, and strengthen us to stand watchful in prayer. Kindle in us the light of faith, that we may recognise Your presence in our days and trust Your mercy in every moment. Draw near to us, O Lord; renew our courage, deepen our love, and make us ready to greet You with joyful hearts. Come, Lord Jesus—be our peace, our strength, and our everlasting hope. Amen.

Hymn: “Light of Promise, Dawn of Grace”
Verse 1
In shadows deep the world awaits,
A dawn not yet revealed;
Yet in our hearts Your whisper stirs—
A hope the darkness cannot steal.
Chorus
Come, O Lord, our hearts awake,
Shine through the darkness for Your sake.
Hope of ages, Prince of Peace—
Bring our waiting souls release.
Verse 2
Prophets speak across the years,
Their voices clear and strong:
“Prepare the way, the Lord is near—
Lift up your hearts, His day is long!”
Chorus
Come, O Lord, our hearts awake,
Shine through the darkness for Your sake.
Hope of ages, Prince of Peace—
Bring our waiting souls release.
Verse 3
Through watchful nights and waiting hearts,
Your quiet grace is sown;
You come to us in hidden ways,
In every breath of love made known.
Chorus
Come, O Lord, our hearts awake,
Shine through the darkness for Your sake.
Hope of ages, Prince of Peace—
Bring our waiting souls release.
Bridge
From Bethlehem to heaven’s throne,
Your love has sought us, called us home;
Come once more—our hearts enthrone—
Emmanuel, draw near.
Verse 4
O promised Light, O royal Child,
Our longing turns to You;
You break the chains that bind the world
And make creation new.
Chorus
Come, O Lord, our hearts awake,
Shine through the darkness for Your sake.
Hope of ages, Prince of Peace—
Bring our waiting souls release.