In the life of the Church, Advent and the Octave of Christmas form one of the most sacred and joy-filled times of the year — a season of waiting, wonder, and worship. We call it the time of Emmanuel — God with us — when heaven touches earth and light shines again in our world.
During Advent, we prepare our hearts to welcome Christ, the Light of the World. The candles of the Advent wreath remind us that even in the darkness, God’s promise endures. Week by week, we journey from hope to peace, from joy to love — trusting that the Lord will come and dwell among us.

Then, at Christmas, our waiting gives way to celebration as we rejoice in the birth of our Saviour. The Church’s joy overflows into the Octave of Christmas — eight days treated as one great feast, when we continue to marvel at the mystery of the Word made flesh. Each Mass, each prayer, and each hymn during these days keeps alive the wonder of Bethlehem: that God
has come to dwell among His people.

Throughout this holy season, we are invited to open our hearts — to recognise Christ’s presence in the small and simple moments of daily life. In the kindness of a neighbour, the laughter of children, or the quiet peace of prayer, the Lord draws near. The Christ who was born in a manger is born again in every act of love.

Advent and Christmastide also remind us of our deep communion with all God’s people — the saints in glory and the faithful here on earth — united in one family of faith. As we light our candles and gather around the crib, we glimpse something of heaven itself: love made visible in the face of Christ.

As we walk through these blessed days of Advent and the Octave of Christmas, may our hearts be filled with hope, peace, joy, and love — the gifts of the Christ Child who comes to dwell with us.

During Advent and Christmas, We Pray Especially For:

All who wait in hope — that their hearts may be strengthened by the promise of Christ’s coming.

Families preparing for Christmas — that their homes may be places of peace, joy, and welcome.

Those who are lonely, sick, or grieving — that they may feel the comfort of God’s love and the care of our parish community.

Our children and young people — that the light of faith may grow strong in their hearts as they learn the true meaning of Christmas.

Those who serve others during the festive season — carers, health workers, volunteers, and all who bring light into the lives of others.

Refugees and the homeless — that they may find safety, shelter, and compassion, remembering that the Holy Family, too, once sought a place to stay.

Our departed loved ones — that they may share in the eternal joy of the Saviour whose birth we celebrate.

Our parish family — that together we may walk in hope, peace, joy, and love, guided always by the light of Christ.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” — Romans 15:13