On Sunday, we marked the 1st Sunday of Advent. What an exciting time of year, isn’t it? Many of us have our Christmas trees up, decorations on and in our homes, and we are awaiting the coming of Jesus! How awesome.
On Monday we celebrated the special season of Advent with a liturgy which was done beautifully by Mr. McKeough’s class. We lit 1 purple candle on our Advent wreath which sits on our prayer table. Father Saleem from St. George Parish blessed our wreath, too.
Advent means a coming. It is a time when we prepare our hearts to get ready to welcome baby Jesus into the world. The colour purple was the colour of royalty because purple dye was costly and rare. So the liturgical colour of Advent is a symbol of looking forward to welcoming the coming of a King.
There is much symbolism within the wreath itself.
- the wreath is in the shape of a circle meaning that God’s love has no beginning and no end
- the evergreen boughs represent the hope for eternal life
- the candles show that Jesus is the light of the world
This is also a time we are asked to think of others and remember what is most important at this time of year–family, friends, and Jesus. The best present we could ask for is not going to be laying under the tree on Christmas morning–it is the birth of our Lord.
We each made our own Advent wreaths and they look so beautiful! Well done, everyone! Find a special place in your home where you can light your candle each day.
How are you preparing for Christmas this year?