Introduction to Advent ​

Introduction to Advent ​

This Sunday marks the beginning of Advent, and at Guildford Cathedral we're preparing to light our Advent wreath. Over the next four weeks, we'll kindle one candle each Sunday, watching the light grow as Christmas approaches. These aren't just pretty decorations – they tell the story of God's promise unfolding across centuries, through faithful people who waited, watched, and witnessed.

Each candle represents a stage in salvation's story: the Patriarchs who received God's promises, the Prophets who proclaimed them, John the Baptist who announced their fulfilment, and Mary who said yes to bearing God into the world. Finally, at Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, we'll light the white Christ candle at the centre – the Light of the World himself ​.

The circular evergreen wreath speaks of God's eternal love, never-ending, always green. As darkness deepens in these December days, we'll watch the light grow stronger. This is the rhythm of Advent: patient waiting rewarded, faithful watching fulfilled, hope realised in the most unexpected way ​.

Join us on this journey from promise to presence, from prophecy to birth, from darkness to light.