Return to Essentials: Advent reflections from Ampleforth Abbey

Join this prayer programme to journey through Advent with reflections from Ampleforth Abbey to help us prepare for the birth of Christ! 🌟

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Prepare to welcome Christ!

The sun was still shining in early September when a Garden Centre in North Yorkshire launched its Christmas selection: lights, Santas, reindeer, fake snow, it was all there. A couple of weeks later the Church Times started to encourage readers to learn more about Meaningful Chocolate Advent 2023.

Yes, you could donate to a food bank, but you could also buy a Christmas Blessings Milk Bar – a case of 12 bars, if you want! And there were still about 100 days to go before Christmas!

Is your Christmas preparation about buying fake snow in a garden centre?

Advent Reflections from Ampleforth Abbey is an opportunity to prepare spiritually so that we are ready to welcome Christ into our hearts and our homes at Christmas.

Regular reflections written by Liam Kelly will be posted throughout the Season of Advent.

The Programme

Receive, on these days, meditations and prayers to prepare yourself to welcome Christ.

  • First Sunday of Advent: 3 December
  • Wednesday 6 December
  • Second Sunday of Advent: 10 December
  • Wednesday 13 December
  • Third Sunday of Advent: 17 December
  • Monday 18 December
  • Tuesday 19 December
  • Wednesday 20 December
  • Thursday 21 December
  • Friday 22 December
  • Saturday 23 December
  • Fourth Sunday of Advent: 24 December
  • Christmas Day: 25 December

Ampleforth Abbey and Liam Kelly

Liam Kelly works at Ampleforth Abbey and is a member of the Hospitality Team.

He has a written a number of books, most recently The Glorious Journey, a reflection based on the film ‘The Two Popes', and Lent in 50 Moments. 

Come and See at Ampleforth Abbey: https://www.ampleforthabbey.org.uk/retreats

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Prayer from the retreat

Advent Prayer

Lord Jesus, Master of both the light and the darkness, send your Holy Spirit upon our preparations for Christmas. We who have so much to do and seek quiet spaces to hear your voice each day. We who are anxious over many things look forward to your coming among us. We who are blessed in so many ways long for the complete joy of your kingdom. We whose hearts are heavy seek the joy of your presence. We are your people, walking in darkness, yet seeking the light. To you we say, 'Come, Lord Jesus!' Amen.