Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas: Exploring Advent
As we journey through Advent, it's once again time to delve into the profound spiritual significance of Christmas. At Hornsby Cathedral Parish, we annually engage in this exploration through our Advent program, and this year, we invite you to join a one-off free retreat at the Cathedral on December 13, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm (details below).
Our own Seminarian, Rosan Matthew, will lead us in an exploration of the core themes of hope, faith, joy, and love, symbolised by the four (or five) candles on the Advent wreath. These themes act as beacons, shining light in the darkness, guiding us as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
The Profound Significance of Advent
In today’s modern world, it's easy to get caught up in the secular hustle and bustle of Advent—wrapping up work or school, planning holidays, preparing for Christmas parties, meals, and gatherings, and buying gifts. The more we immerse ourselves in these activities, the more we risk missing the joyous anticipation, spiritual preparation, and celebration of the hope that Christ's birth brings to the world.
Consider this: when was the last time you made Advent all about God? Could this be the year you attend the retreat and have a profoundly different and even more joyous experience? We hope it will be, and that's why Rosan is focusing on the themes of the wreath.
Topic 1: Hope
The first theme of Advent is hope, symbolised by the initial purple candle on the Advent wreath. Hope transcends mere optimism; it represents profound and unwavering trust in God's promises. Lighting the first candle reminds us of the hope that Christ's birth brings to a world longing for salvation. We will explore the prophetic hope of the Old Testament, reflect on how hope can be a light in our darkest moments, and consider the redemption, healing, and promise of a brighter future that Christ's presence brings.
Topic 2: Faith
The second theme of Advent is faith, symbolised by the second purple candle on the wreath. Faith is an unwavering trust in God, even when His plan remains veiled from our understanding. This is exemplified by the faith of Mary and Joseph throughout Advent, Christmas, and beyond. Advent calls us to reflect on the faith that sustained the Holy Family and challenges us to strengthen our own faith—a continual surrender to God’s will.
Topic 3: Joy
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without the third theme of Advent, joy, symbolised by the rose-coloured candle. Joy radiates during this season, reminding us of the boundless happiness that the birth of Jesus brings. Advent invites us to find joy in the anticipation of Christ's coming, to experience God's presence, and, importantly, to share that joy with others, just as the angels did at the first Christmas.
Topic 4: Love
The fourth theme of Advent is love, represented by the fourth and final purple candle on the wreath. Love is the heart of the Christian message and the reason for Christ's incarnation. Throughout Advent, we are encouraged to embrace and extend this divine love to others.
Conclusion
Advent is a time of profound significance, and we are excited to guide the parish through the themes of hope, faith, joy, and love. As we journey through this season, may these themes remain imprinted in our hearts, drawing us closer to the One we await—Jesus Christ, the Light of the World.
Join us for the one-off free Advent retreat, where we’ll work through these topics and be led in prayer and private reflection:
- When: Wednesday, December 13
- Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm
- Where: at the Cathedral
- Facebook Event Link: Advent 2023
Mr. Rosan Mathew
Seminarian - Hornsby Cathedral Parish
Catholic Diocese of Broken Bay