The root of the word “Advent” is adventus which means “coming” and is derived from the Greek word parousia. Advent is a season of waiting and expectation. It has been said that when the Church celebrates Advent, “she makes present this ancient expectancy of the Messiah, for by sharing in the long preparation for the Saviour’s first coming, the faithful renew their ardent desire for his second coming.”

Paul writes in Philippians 3 that “our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ”. So the Church of Jesus Christ is called to wait, but waiting isn’t easy. Our hope is that in this Advent Season we will once again turn our eyes to the Lord Jesus, keep living well for Him, and be sustained and strengthened by hope.