Advent is meant to be the preparation time for celebrating the birth of Jesus, a season for prayer and anticipation that leads us to joy and hope. Just examine how far commercialisation has taken the season of advent.
The internet promotes the advent calendar in so many different ways; you can purchase the beer calendar and try a new craft beer each day. Or if you prefer wine maybe a shiraz or a chardonnay variety for each of the 25 days. Or, if there’s children in the family perhaps a Harry Potter or Peppa Pig calendar is appealing?
Fortunately, as people of faith, joining a parish group or even conducting your own private prayerful preparation captures the true meaning of the season.
There is no doubt that the highlight for faith communities is to join together for Eucharist on Christmas Day.
This is a time to not only open our wallets but to open our minds for the goodwill of others, and remember to celebrate Jesus’ birth as his gift to us.