I took this photo at Edmund Rice Community College in Carrigaline, Co.Cork
Sometimes it’s fewer words that say the most. A lovely school piece of artwork says it all, as we begin our journey through Advent
On This Day
On December 2nd 2020 The UK becomes the first western country to authorize a vaccine for COVID-19, the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine
On December 2nd 2020 US Attorney General William Barr says there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud in the 2020 presidential election, despite claims by President Donald Trump
Birthdays Today
Britney Spears (Pop Singer) is 43
Lucy Liu (Actress) is 56
Monica Seles (Former Tennis Star) is 51
Video for the week🎥
We have just begun our journey through Advent and so this video seems most appropriate. Each year I make a wreath using bike tyres and it’s simply called ‘A ‘wheelie’ different Advent Wreath’
The video below I had up last week and it is called ‘One Snow Story’. An unexpected snowfall made sure I got out and about, to create the story with a few reflective thoughts. If you would like to see a selection of my other videos on Youtube you can click this link here. https://www.youtube.com/@JamesMcSweeneyFr/videos
Spiritual Thought For The Week
We have just begun our journey into Advent. Each year Advent can get lost with many other activities taking place. Advent often gets squished and squashed. But the story of Advent is still an attractive one and I would also say necessary and important. It is a time to celebrate light in the midst of darkness. It is a season of hope and looking forward.
In a months time we will begin our journey into 2025. Pope Francis has called it a Jubilee Year. The theme he has picked for the coming year Is ‘Hope does not disappoint’
It is a really good theme because we need to be people of hope. Without hope we have nothing and if you had just one word to sum up Advent it would of course be hope.
We all look for meaning and fulfilment in life. We crave for stillness, quiet time and quality time for ourselves but seldom find it. Advent allows us to be grateful for the good things in our life.
That is why Advent is never forced but always invites. We are invited to personalise the coming weeks. Give yourself some time. The hectic pace of the next few weeks do not encourage gentleness. But be gentle with yourself.
Advent is also a time of reflection. What is the biggest darkness in your life at the moment? Who or what might bring you a sense of light and hope in your life?
My wish and prayer for you this morning as we begin this season of Advent, is that you will find a sense of hope, light and new beginnings in your life as we gently journey towards Christmas.
