RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

This week marks the beginning of the Christian Liturgical Calendar Year. We have just entered the season of Advent, beginning four Sundays before Christmas and ending on Christmas Eve.

The word Advent comes from the Latin word ‘Adventus’ which means ‘Coming’ or ‘Visit’. There are four Advent candles, three purple and one rose. Each coming with a symbolic message that represents one of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. 

The candles are placed within a wreath which signifies continuous life. No beginning or end, it symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ. 

We light one candle each Sunday beginning with Purple (Hope), Purple (Peace) Pink (Joy) and Purple (Love). On Christmas Eve we include a fifth white “Christ” candle, known as ‘Christ Candle’. The colour WHITE signifies purity and it represents the life of Christ that has come into the world.

Go gently during this time as we prepare and wait patiently for Christmas Day to arrive. 

Julie Leonard - Religious Education Leader