Advent - or Christ's Mass - prepares us for the coming of Jesus

THIS present season of Advent is a time of preparation for the coming of Jesus - indeed 'Advent' means 'coming'.

- REV NICK PARKER, PRIEST-IN-CHARGE & RECTOR DESIGNATE, ST ALPHEGE CHURCH

As we approach 'Christ's Mass' the sense of anticipation is heightened for many children by opening the doors of their Advent Calendar (chocolate or otherwise!), while others mark the passing days through burning an Advent Candle, watching as it steadily creeps towards number 25.

Churches traditionally use an Advent Wreath for this countdown. This has four candles around the circle and a fifth at the centre. Each Sunday during Advent we light a new candle until by the fourth Sunday (21/12) all are lit except for the centre candle.