This Sunday is Advent Sunday. The first Sunday in the liturgical year. We could say to each other ‘Happy New Year’ as the Church Year begins. 

During Advent we are encouraged to focus on themes that connect the past, present, and future aspects of Christ's ‘coming’. We prepare in present time for the celebration of Christ’s birth; we prepare for the future time of Christ’s return and, we remember the preparation of Mary and Joseph for the birth of Jesus. 

Some years ago when, with other churches we were planning a community Carols by Candlelight event, one of the ministers present commented that if we were serious about Christmas we would wait until after Christmas to sing carols. ‘Carols about the birth of Jesus are Christmas songs and we are in Advent’, the minister said. 

Advent songs focus on expectation, hope, joy and waiting, and are different to Christmas Carols. One risk of the impact of Christmas celebrations before December 25 is a loss of presence with the Advent season.

Now a decision to not hold a Carols by Candlelight event until after December 25 would not be generally agreed with. Not many would come to sing carols on December 26th! These pre-Christmas events are cultural as well as faith celebrations.  

The dynamic connecting of past, present and future is part of what makes us human. Letting go of the past (healing and forgiveness), focusing on the present (reconciliation and thanksgiving) and anticipating the future (expectation and redemption) is salvific and renewing. 

These Advent themes give depth and substance to our joy and celebration of the birth of Jesus. 

So let us journey in Advent and, then, come to Christmas as people prepared to sing our Christmas Carols with joy and hope in our hearts.

Rev John Gilmore

NCCA President