Thought for Advent

This special reflection is more a 'Thought for Christmas' in which our consultant on the Middle East North Africa region, Dr Harry Hagopian, delivers an authentic slice of what it's like to celebrate the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem.

For the last day of Advent we have an excellent reflection from Monsignor James Cronin, the National Director of Missio - the Church's overseas missionary charity.

Today the Director of the Catholic Education Service, Paul Barber, looks at how teaching is at the centre of the Church's mission.

Marie Kato-Kmiec gave birth to her daughter Abigail two months ago. In this podcast she shares her experiences of waiting, hope and anticipation as we approach Christmas.

Father-of-five John Green, Director for Development for the charity Apostleship of the Sea, looks at the call to fatherhood as we approach the birth of Christ.

Archbishop Samir Nassar of Damascus has released a Christmas message called 'The Refugees before The Crib'. An English translation of the original Arabic version is read for this podcast by the Bishops' MENA consultant Dr Harry Hagopian.

Cathy Corcoran, Chief Executive of the Cardinal Hume Centre, manages to find hope this Advent despite the near-overwhelming challenges and heart-breaking stories.

Dr James Hanvey SJ gives us this excellent Advent reflection on the 'Our Father' from The Church of the Pater Noster on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem.

This 'Thought for Advent' looks at the challenge of reflecting the Good News that was proclaimed at the very first Christmas. Dylan Parry, Editor of Oremus - Westminster Cathedral's monthly magazine - tells us how he lives out 'mini Advents' all year round, especially in the anticipation of publishing a new edition.

The call to parenthood is one of the holiest of all callings. Today's podcast reflection is given by Breda Theakston. Breda works with couples and parents in the Diocese of Leeds.

Dr James Hanvey SJ, outside the Church dedicated to St Joseph in Nazareth, looks at the enormity of what God asked of Joseph and the humble way in which he embraced his role without perhaps fully comprehending it.

Jim McManus, Director of Public Health in Hertfordshire, tells us why following the example of St John of the Cross is a wholesome pursuit during Advent.

In today's reflection, Clare Ward, our Home Mission Advisor, encourages us to be that Christmas apostle - bringing the priceless gift of faith to those around us.

Offering love and support to vulnerable women is both a vocation and day job for Sr Lynda Dearlove, CEO of the charity 'Women at the Well'. This is her #Thought4Advent.

Forgiveness and reconciliation are at the very heart of Advent. In this reflection Bishop John Arnold talks about the chance to make fresh start - a new beginning - facing our faults and seeking the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Continuing the theme of dometic poverty, Dr Rosemary Keenan, Chief Executive of the Catholic Children's Society, Westminster, reminds us of the need to help and understand parents and particularly children living in poverty.

Today's reflection comes from Helen O'Brien the Chief Executive of Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) and brings the focus back onto the most vulnerable and marginalised in our society.

For the Second Sunday of Advent, our podcast reflection comes from the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth. Dr James Hanvey SJ talks about the call to say "yes" to God - just as Mary did.

Elizabeth Davies, our Marriage and Family Life Project Officer, offers her Advent reflection on why she's looking forward to getting the family together at Christmas despite the challenges.

Benedictine monk Fr Christopher Jamison offers his Advent reflection on why we should all carve out time for moments of silence.

For today's podcast, Sister Cathy Jones, a Religious of the Assumption, talks about her experiences of community life and how religious congregations are called to fulfill a specific role in the Church revealing an aspect of Christ to the world.

The Feast of St John of Damascene, 4 December, is the date in the Church's calendar when we look to the Middle East and pray for its peoples. Syria comes sharply to the top of our prayer list today with so many people killed and internally and externally displaced. Today's podcast comes from Bishop John Arnold.

3 December marks the Catholic Church's World Day of Migrants and Refugees. Today's #thought4advent comes from Bishop Patrick Lynch, the Chair of the Office for Migration Policy at the Bishops' Conference.

It's the first weekday of Advent and in today's reflection for our seasonal podcast series 'Thought for Advent', Dr James Hanvey SJ looks how Advent is a time to wait attentively for God. Recorded in the Holy Land.

In this reflection, for the First Sunday of Advent, Margaret Shepherd, a Sister of Our Lady of Sion, looks at the day's readings and encourages us to walk in the light of Christ.