The Church of England in common with many other churches uses a Calendar of Seasons of the church year. With Christmas/Epiphany and Eastertide as the two main seasons of the year, the calendar not only gives a rhythm to our Christian lives but also ensures that each year we are kept in rememberance of all the aspects of our redemption in Jesus.

On 30th November this year we begin the season of Advent. The Advent season is the beginning of the church year and is generally seen as a time of preparation for Christmas. However as the Collect for Advent 1 shows us, Advent not only reminds us of Jesus coming into this world as a baby born in Bethleham, but also prepares us for his future coming in his glorious majesty.

Through the Collects and Sunday Service readings during Advent we shall each week explore different aspects of these dual purposes of this season of preparation.