Mother Anna writes:

I love this time of year, as the nights grow longer and we turn inwards - locking our front doors to the night, closing our curtains and settling into the watchful dark hours of the evening. And in that inward turning we prepare ourselves not just for the busyness of Christmas but for the astonishing arrival of God in a mother's arms, a baby, tiny, warm, vulnerable, yet full of the promise of glory.

Advent calls us to slow down, to cultivate that inward focus and make room for Christ amidst the noise and distractions. It is an invitation to step away from the bright lights and jingly music that surround us everywhere, and prepare a quiet place, a place in our hearts for the Christ child.

It can be hard to find the time to stop and pay attention to God when we are very busy, but if we can manage it we will be richly rewarded - there is something about the contrast of Advent's quiet watchfulness with the energy of the secular Christmas season which makes it even more worthwhile. I find myself drawn to night time prayer during this season of short days so once again I invite you to join me in saying Compline during Advent, the church's service of Night Prayer.

I will be saying Compline at 9pm on facebook most nights in Advent - if you are on facebook you can join me on the St Aldhelm's facebook page. You can also find the service on the Church of England's Daily Prayer webpage. It doesn't take long and it is a lovely way to connect with God as the day comes to an end.

This year there will be a weekly Advent Reflection for our deanery, led our neighbour and friend Mthr Tina at St Peter's, Bounces Road N9 8JP. It will take place on Tuesdays at 7.30pm, both in person at St Peter's and on Zoom: Meeting ID: 821 5559 4338, Passcode: 418734.