Education
As the year draws to a close, the Church enters the beautiful season of Advent. More than just a countdown to Christmas, Advent marks the beginning of the new liturgical year. It's a special time of "active waiting" - a period to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas.
The word Advent means "coming," and the season holds a dual meaning. We prepare to celebrate the commemoration of Christ’s first coming as a child in Bethlehem, and we look forward with hope in anticipation of his second coming.
The liturgical colour for Advent is purple (or violet), a colour that symbolises this time of preparation, reflection, and hopeful expectation.
The Symbols of the Season: The Advent Wreath
One of the most familiar traditions of the season is the Advent Wreath. This powerful symbol is rich in meaning and is a wonderful centrepiece for reflection in our homes and schools.
- The Circle: The circular shape of the wreath, with no beginning or end, symbolises God's eternal nature and unending love for us.
- The Evergreens: The green branches (such as holly or pine), represent everlasting life and the hope we find in Christ.
- The Four Candles: The four candles, lit progressively each Sunday of Advent, mark our journey through the season. Three candles are purple, and one is rose (pink).
Each candle traditionally represents a theme, helping us to focus our thoughts:
- Week 1 (Purple): Hope. We light the first candle with a sense of hope, remembering the prophets who foretold the coming of the Messiah.
- Week 2 (Purple): Peace. The second candle symbolises the peace that Christ, the "Prince of Peace," brings to the world.
- Week 3 (Rose/Pink): Joy. This candle is lit on Gaudete Sunday, which means "Rejoice" Sunday. The shift in colour signifies that Christmas is near, and our waiting is filled with joy.
- Week 4 (Purple): Love. The final candle reminds us of the ultimate act of love - God sending Jesus, the beloved Child, into the world for all people.
A Time to Slow Down
In a world that often feels rushed, Advent is an invitation to find moments of stillness. It calls us to focus less on the material preparations for Christmas and more on the spiritual ones - to be more patient, more generous, and more present for those around us.
This season calls us to:
- Reflect: To find quiet moments for prayer and to think about how we can make room for Christ in our busy lives.
- Prepare: To ask ourselves how we can be a light for others, just as we wait for the Light of the World.
- Give: To turn our focus outwards, participating in acts of kindness and works of charity that support those in need within our community.
Bringing Advent Home: Ideas for Families
Advent is a wonderful opportunity to build traditions as a family, helping children understand the spiritual meaning behind the Christmas celebration.
- Create a Family Advent Wreath: Light the appropriate candle each evening, perhaps before dinner, and share a short prayer or reflection.
- Use a 'Kindness' Advent Calendar: Alongside a traditional calendar, consider creating one where each day reveals a simple act of service (e.g., "Help a sibling," "Donate to a food drive," "Call a grandparent").
- Read Together: Share stories about the Nativity or other themes of hope and giving.
- Support Others: Participate in school or parish "Giving Trees" and charity drives, involving your children in the process of choosing and giving gifts to those less fortunate.
A Journey in Joyful Expectation
Advent is not a season of passive waiting; it is an active, hopeful journey. It is a time for our school communities, parishes, and families to come together, preparing our hearts to truly receive the gift of Christmas.
We wish all our families a blessed and peaceful Advent season.
