As we busily prepare for Christmas:  planning, cleaning, spending, giving, attending breakups and various events, it is important we take a moment and reflect on what it all means for us and our families.  The first Sunday of Advent marked the beginning of a period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ, our Saviour, at Christmas.  We are advised to make ourselves ready, to be on the alert, to turn aside from our errant ways, and give more time to God in our lives.  The season of Advent encourages us to reflect and prepare for the coming of Jesus who came to show us a new way of being with God, ourselves and each other.  

This week at Holy Spirit we value patience.  Patience is a person's ability to wait something out or endure something tedious, without getting riled up.  Having patience means you can remain calm, even when you've been waiting forever or dealing with something painstakingly slow or trying to teach someone how to do something and they just don't get it.  This week, as we end the school year and enter the season of Advent, we pray our students and families show patience towards others and be on the lookout to help those in need.

THE ADVENT WREATH:  The Advent wreath is a traditional centrepiece of the Christmas season.  A candle is lit on each of the four Sundays preceding Christmas.  The first candle (violet) represents hope, the second (violet) peace, the third (rose) joy and the fourth (violet) love.  The central white candle is lit on Christmas Day and represents Christ.  The word ‘advent’ means ‘coming’; lighting the candles on the Advent wreath symbolises the coming of Light (Jesus) into the world.  The Advent Wreath teaches us about Christian preparation for celebrating Jesus’ birth and making our hearts truly ready to receive Him.  Making an advent wreath and praying a blessing each week with your children is a wonderful way to countdown to Christmas.  

Have a safe and happy holiday.  

God bless.

Caroline Fuller