Celtic Advent (40 days) "was the traditional beginning of monastic fasting and preparation for the feast of Christmas, reflecting Lent in lasting for forty days. We seek to prepare the way for the Lord to come right to the centre of our lives. Every valley and pot-hole should be filled in, every mountain and hill levelled and every obstacle removed. The mountains are the wrongs we do, and the pot-holes are the good things we fail to do.
It is said that the door to the stable where the Christ-child has been born is very low – and only those who kneel find access. Being ready for Christmas should mean that our thoughts are focused not just on letters, cards, food and drink, and presents, but on repentance, humility and interior ‘house-cleaning. The more we prepare in this way, the less we will be overwhelmed by the commercialisation of Christmas."
As we prepare to begin Advent in just over a week, we invite you to take the invitation from the Celtic church to reflect and pray and prepare for how you will mark this inward and outward journey toward the Incarnation once more.
Attached, you will also find a simple Advent Celtic candle lighting with a calendar that we have been using at home. May it encourage you in your preparation for this beautiful season of hope!