According to legend, St Lucy was the daughter of a wealthy family who was brought up as a Christian, and, having resisted the advances of a pagan suitor, was arrested, tortured and killed. Her feast, situated near the shortest day of the year, is celebrated in Sweden and elsewhere as a festival of light.
Reflect on the Mass readings for the Third Sunday of Advent with this extract from our book Prepare the Way of the Lord.
Who is this man Jesus? And why is there a continuing fascination with him even when many people think Christianity is in decline? The basic facts of his life are agreed by most historians. This is not just mythology or Christian propaganda. We’ve got more hard evidence about the life of Jesus than we have for almost anyone in the ancient world.
In this Advent reflection of the first line of the Hail Mary, discover how Mary helps us to consider our place in salvation history, and how meditating upon Mary's role in the birth of Our Lord also encourages us to meditate upon the fulfilment of the Kingdom.
As Advent begins and you put your Advent wreath in pride of place in your home, gather your household together to pray this blessing.
Help your child prepare for Christmas with these child-friendly instructions for making an Advent wreath.
