THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
29th November 2025
Greetings,
When showing visitors around the churchyard I often point out an inscription on a grave immediately to the left of the porch. It records a burial in January 1707/8. It's something of a curiosity but prior to 1752 when we adopted the Gregorian Calendar, it was common for the New Year, though celebrated in January, not to change numerically until 25th March, Lady Day. In practice we observe several different New Years, the most obvious and significant in many people's lives being the school/academic year. The church hasn't let it go either, for tomorrow, Advent Sunday marks the beginning of the new liturgical year. The cycle of the Church's seasons, readings and prayers begins anew at Advent. This may seem a little curious but Advent dwells on time as an aspect of God's creation. Time is a gift and most readily appreciated as such when we regard it as short and its use as both urgent and accountable. Hence Advent is an incentive to make a new beginning with God, resolving to live fully for Christ now rather than at some indeterminate point in the future. Such resolution is easily obliterated by a premature and materialistic preoccupation with Christmas so it's really important to grasp the Advent opportunity while we can, and by the grace of God strive to be renewed in our commitment and in cultivating the virtues of faith, hope and love.
May your keeping of Advent be truly blessed,
Charles Booth
The Pew Sheet is attached with readings and notices.
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