Principal Reflections

A Short Message from Dr Jake

Dear Parents & Friends, 

ADVENT

The Church calendar begins with the Advent season, the four weeks leading up to Christmas. During Advent we prepare for the coming of our Saviour at Christmas. As we wait, we need to look at our lives and make sure we are ready for the coming of the Lord at Christmas and in the future.

The greater part of the liturgical seasons of ADVENT and CHRISTMAS falls during the school holidays, but such is the importance of this time that we give time to focusing on these seasons earlier than usual, within the school year. In this way students are given an opportunity to experience the scriptures and traditions of this time.

The Advent Wreath and Jesse tree symbols help us to remember during Advent that all people of all times have awaited the coming of the Messiah.

THE JESSE TREE

In Christian tradition, the Jesse Tree represents the family tree of Jesus. Beginning with Abraham, the names we see decorating the tree are characters listed in the genealogy of Jesus as recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, characters who waited and prepared for the coming of Christ.

ADVENT WREATH

The Advent wreath is conventionally, a circle of greenery to which are attached four candles, three purple and one rose coloured. The candles are lit separately for each of the Sundays before Christmas.

The symbolism of the Advent wreath is as follows,

Circle – for love without end - God’s love is eternal Love.

Greenery – life without end - eternal life now and forever with God.

Purple Ribbon – indicates sorrow for past failures to love.

Four candles – 3 purple, 1 rose.

Each week we light one more candle to represent the idea that the coming of Christ is closer. The four Sundays before Christmas remind us that Jesus brought light and the warmth of love into the world – to us.

At Advent we should try the key to our heart’s door. It may have gathered rust.

If so, this is the time to oil it, in order that the heart’s door may open more easily

when the Lord Jesus wants to enter at Christmas time!

Lord, oil the hinges of our heart’s doors that they may swing gently

and easily to welcome your coming.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to us as we are only too happy to help.

Peace & Best Wishes

Dr Jake Madden

(Principal, St Edward's Primary School)