Prayer and Acknowledgement
ADVENT
The traditional Advent season invites participants into four weeks of deep reflection on the advent, or arrival, of God in Jesus of Nazareth, as well as on his promised return. From focused prayer and Scripture reading, to candled wreaths and calendars, Advent celebrations vary widely. But all Advent practices share a heightened anticipation for God’s arrival.
More than a countdown to Christmas, Advent embraces the way of Jesus and encourages hopeful waiting, courageous peace-making, resilient joy, and self-giving love in our still-suffering world.
Loving God,
As we begin this holy season of Advent,
we come before You as pilgrims of hope—
people walking together toward the light of Christ.
In this time of waiting,
awaken in us a hope that is steady,
not wishful or fragile,
but rooted in Your promise to be with us always.
Guide our steps when the path feels uncertain,
and open our hearts to see Your presence
in the ordinary moments of each day.
Help us to walk gently,
bringing kindness, peace, and compassion to everyone we meet.
May our hope inspire others,
especially those who are struggling, lonely, or in need.
As we prepare for the coming of Jesus,
renew our spirits,
fill our homes and our school with joy,
and lead us closer to one another
and closer to You.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
The Meaning and Significance of Advent
For many, “advent” means a countdown to Christmas. Whether we envision candy-filled Advent calendars or lights draped over houses with nativity scenes out front, Advent marks a happy season of celebrating.
But the word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus, which is about a “coming” or an “arrival.”
The Four Weeks of Advent
In most Christian traditions, Advent is a four-week season of celebration and observation prior to Christmas, each week often focusing on a particular biblical theme. Although the selection and arrangement of themes can vary, these are some themes commonly explored during Advent.
- Week 1: Hope
- Week 2: Peace
- Week 3: Joy
- Week 4: Love
1st Sunday of ADVENT PURPLE
Matthew 24: 37–44
The Lord is coming when we least expect.
Hope
Sometimes hope feels wishful—like crossing our fingers and dreaming of a better outcome. We might hope for better employment, healed relationships, or a brighter future. But that kind of hope is fragile, based on circumstances that may or may not change. And when things don’t go as planned, that kind of hope can disappear like vapor.
Advent invites us into a deeper, enduring hope—one that is rooted not in circumstances, but in the unchanging nature of God and his promise to restore all creation. Advent hope doesn’t ignore hardship or pretend everything will improve quickly. Instead, it looks honestly at darkness and still chooses to trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled. His long-proven faithfulness gives us courage.
As Pilgrims of Hope in this Jubilee year, we walk forward together with this Advent spirit—trusting, waiting, and witnessing to God’s promised restoration. Our journey becomes a sign of hope for others, showing that even in uncertainty, we continue to walk with faith-filled purpose.
2nd Sunday of ADVENT PURPLE
Matthew 3: 1–12
John the Baptist begins to preach in the desert.
Peace
We often hear that peace comes through strength—if we are powerful enough, others won’t challenge us. Or we try to “keep the peace” by avoiding conflict and pretending everything is fine. But this kind of peace is shallow. As the prophet Jeremiah said, “‘Peace, peace,’ they say, when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14).
The peace Advent promises is different. Jesus brings peace not by force, and not by avoidance, but by confronting the roots of division—fear, pride, anger, injustice—and transforming them through love. His peace restores, reconciles, and heals.
This Jubilee year calls us again to be Pilgrims of Hope and builders of peace. As we journey through Advent, we walk the hopeful path of Jesus—carrying peace into our homes, classrooms, workplaces, and communities. Each small act of forgiveness, courage, and love becomes part of our shared pilgrimage toward the fullness of God’s peace on Earth.
Acknowledgment of Country
St. Brendan's Primary School acknowledges and
pays respect to the Yorta Yorta Nation,
as the original ongoing custodians of
the land we meet on.
We commit ourselves to actively working alongside
Aboriginal people for reconciliation and justice.
