Today is the beginning of Advent, which marks the start of the Church calendar. It is a penitential season, rather like Lent, in which Christians are encouraged to place an extra emphasis on prayer, devotions and simplicity of life. In church we mark it with purple vestments and hangings, and simple wooden items on the altar — not forgetting our wreath of advent candles.
Every year our gospel readings on a Sunday are mainly drawn from one particular gospel. This year it is Mark’s gospel that is being featured. Mark is the shortest of the four gospels in the Bible, and was the earliest to be written. It really licks along at quite a pace, taking just 90 minutes to read from end to end.
This Advent I’d like to invite you to read the whole of Mark’s gospel. You might want to sit down and read it in one go, or you may prefer to read half a chapter a day. We have some copies of Mark from the Bible Society in a single booklet, using the Good News Bible — an easy to read translation illustrated with Annie Valleton’s charming line drawings. You’ll be able to pick up a copy at church, or we can post one out to you on request. Those of you who receive the church news sheet by post will find a copy enclosed. And, on 27th January, our Bible Book Club will also be discussing Mark.
‘Jesus said, “The right time has come and the kingdom of God is near. Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News.”’ — Mark 1.15 (GNB)
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