ADVENT and CHRISTMAS

xxxxxxxAdvent is a time of waiting and expectation. It is a time of discovering the beauty of light, the love of God, and the light of Christ. As we await the coming of the Christ child, we take time in these days and weeks before Christmas to give witness to how God lives in our lives. We do this in our Catholic traditions through festivals of stories, prayers, songs, and acts of charity and goodwill.
xxxxxxxChristmas is a festival and celebration of its own, and follows the period of Advent. The Christ child - who is the Saviour and light of the world - has been born! During the Christmas season, or Christmastide, we contemplate the light of Christ who has come in a number of feasts and solemnities: the Nativity itself, the feasts of St. Stephen and John, the Holy Innocents, Holy family, Mary the Mother of God, Epiphany, and Baptism of the Lord. It is a celebration of light and spirit, during which we come to know Jesus in order that we may be transformed through love and worship of him.
xxxxxxxThroughout these days of Advent and Christmas, the spiritual gifts present during Advent and Christmas reveal the design of the salvation of mankind in Christ. "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ" writes the Apostle Paul. Advent then becomes the summons for each of us to put on the light of Jesus Christ.

Blessing of the Advent Wreath
Blessing of the Christmas Tree