Advent is the beginning of the Church year.   Many people plan the four Sunday’s of Advent together, to balance the pressure to start using Christmas Carols before the Christmas season actually starts.

READINGS

First: Isaiah 40 – Comfort my people … speak to the heart of Jerusalem … a voice cries “Prepare in the wilderness”

Psalm 84 – Let us see, O Lord, your mercy and give us your saving help / I will hear what the Lord has to say / Mercy and faithfulness have met / The Lord will make us prosper.

Second: II Peter – With the Lord a “day” can mean a thousand years, and a thousand year one day – live holy and saintly lives while you wait for the Day of the Lord … so that he will find you at peace.

Gospel: Mark 1 – John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, to fulfil the prophesy made by Isaiah.  He baptised, and preached about the more powerful one who was to follow him.

Waiting for Christ’s coming.   John the Baptist – preparing the way.