Advent is a season of grace and blessing inviting us to examine our lives, repent of our sins and receive the mercy and forgiveness of God.

Advent is a time in which we long for the Second Coming of Christ, rejoice in his first coming and give praise and thanks for his coming into our lives.

The revelation of God’s mercy is not an abstract idea or remote notion but a concrete reality fully revealed in the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. God made us man, born in poverty in a stable in Bethlehem and fulfilled in his coming again.

"Let us see, O Lord, your Mercy, and give us your saving help" (Gospel Acclamation for first Sunday of Advent).