1st Sunday of Advent

For grown-ups

Advent begins with a wake-up call. In the Gospel, a master goes away and leaves his household in charge, and Jesus says simply, “Stay awake.” Isaiah’s people long for God to come down and put things right, and St Paul reminds the Corinthians that God will keep them strong while they wait. Advent is the Church’s season of watchful, hopeful waiting, for Christmas and for Christ’s coming again.

For a busy family, staying awake mostly means paying attention: putting phones down, noticing each other, and making a little quiet space in the rush of December. Children are natural watchers, and they love a countdown. Let the Advent wreath or a candle at dinner become a small sign that we are waiting for someone we love, and let the waiting be gentle, patient and full of small kindnesses rather than shopping lists.

Dinner-table questions

1. What do you like to do while you wait for something exciting?
2. How can we get our home ready for Jesus?
3. What is one thing you can do to stay awake for Jesus this week?