The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus meaning coming, and signals a time of expectant preparation and quiet waiting for the coming of Christ.

But what if we think about Advent as being not so much about us waiting for God to arrive, but God waiting patiently for us?

Instead of Jesus asleep in the manger, what if it’s us who are asleep - and Christ is coming to wake us up, to bring us to wakeful awareness of God’s ever-present-presence?

In this special seasonal retreat, we’ll reflect on the great Advent themes and explore how meditation can help us prepare for the birth of the Word - the birth of loving-awareness.

Advent doesn’t simply point towards an extraordinary event that happened 2000 years ago in Bethlehem.

We are invited to open ourselves to what is happening right now, within each of us and all creation.

“We read in Holy Scripture that a child is born to us, and a Son is given to us, which is to say...He is begotten in us always, without ceasing.”

Johannes Tauler O.P.

Event Leader

Chris Whittington is the founder of the School of Contemplative Life. He was introduced to meditation and contemplative life at the age of 19 when living at the Benedictine monastery of Prinknash Abbey, after which he studied at the Dalai Lama’s monastery in India. Chris regularly delivers workshops and retreats across the UK and has introduced meditation to thousands of people.

What people are saying

"I thought the day was exceptional! I cannot begin to describe the clarity and energy I have felt since the session."

"I just wanted to profoundly thank you for the incredible, enlightening and peaceful workshop. The aura of wisdom, calmness and hope you exude and project through your words and teachings were very exciting and inspirational."