Identity
We have come to the end of our school year and we are looking forward to a rest from schoolwork and the fun that comes with the end of year - holidays and Christmas. At this time of year the Church also turns its attention to Christmas - but not yet! We await the arrival of Jesus Christ. We remember and celebrate his birth in a stable two thousand years ago but we also wait upon his coming into our lives every day in the words of his gospel, in the eucharist and through our unity as brothers and sisters.
This once and future arrival (adveniens) of Christ is what we celebrate every year at Christmas. The season of Advent is a time to prepare. All our life is an advent. We await Jesus’ arrival, we prepare the way of the Kingdom of God, we celebrate the birth of each new day. United as brothers and sisters and dedicated to serve one another we celebrate the love that lights the world.
Lord God, we adore you because you have come to us in the past.
You have spoken to us in the Law of Israel.
You have challenged us in the words of the prophets.
You have shown us in Jesus what you are really like.
Lord God, we adore you because you still come to us now.
You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us.
You come to us through men and women who need our help.
You come to us as we worship you with your people.
Lord God, we adore you because you will come to us at the end.
You will be with us at the hour of death.
You will still reign supreme when all human institutions fail.
You will still be God when our history has run its course.
We welcome you, the God who comes.
Come to us now in the power of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Caryl Micklem, "Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship"
Mr Stephen Meara
Dean of Identity