3 rd December, 2006

1 st Sunday of Advent - Year C

S: Good morning - today is the first Sunday of Advent a day in which we begin our preparations for Christmas and a sign of this, is the lighting of the first candle on the advent wreath.

B: The advent wreath is a circle of evergreen leaves and it stands for God who is without beginning and without end. The purple ribbon and three purple candles stand for penance and sorrow for sin. The pink or red candle stands for the joy of living in God’s way of love. Today the first purple candle is lit as we begin our preparations for Christmas.

S: This advent is a time to pray for healing in our lives in the run up to Christmas. It’s a time to become more familiar with the person of Jesus, who he is for us and it’s also a time to appreciate each other.

That reminds me of a short story I heard some time ago. An American psychologist – wrote to 12 neighbours – whom he didn’t know… “ I believe congratulations are in order, I was delighted to heard the good news, you must be very proud.”

He got 12 immediate replies… Thank you… how on earth did you know?

Granny for the third time – new car – winning a game of basketball – something happening in our lives each week, each day that deserves appreciation – thank you

B: The Preparations for Christmas are well underway, and today is our start on this First Sunday of Advent. And at the start of these preparations we are asked to stay awake and alert to those around us. There are many different ways of doing this but maybe we could start by showing our appreciation and expressing thanks. In all the hustle and bustle it is important to prepare for the real meaning of Christmas and this week we might all try to be more appreciative of the people around us and of how we have been gifted by God.

S: We have a short Christmas reflection for you this morning

I pray Lord, for the needy of our world:

Come among us as one who will help, and call us all to help the hungry and sick, the uneducated and homeless, those who are victims of violence and war, the lonely and depressed.

May your coming this Christmas be for them a time of peace and love; may we bring to them, in whatever way we can the joy of your coming.

B: You’ve been listening to “Just a thought” with Brenda Cribbin...

S: and Seamus Madigan. We can be contacted through the Limerick Diocesan Offices at Henry Street. You can also download your own copy of this reflection by clicking on limerickdiocese.org

B: We look forward to your company again next week, so take care...

S & B: Bye

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