2nd Sunday of Advent - Year A

This week, the Second Sunday of Advent invites us to continue preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ. The Gospel introduces us to John the Baptist, a strong and humble prophet whose mission was to call people back to God. John appears in the desert proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is close at hand.” His message is both challenging and hopeful.

“Prepare the Way of the Lord”

John’s central message is about preparation. Advent is not just a countdown to Christmas, it is a sacred time of clearing space in our hearts, letting go of habits that distance us from God, and making room for Jesus’ light. John reminds us that genuine preparation involves change, not just words or good intentions.

Preparing the way today may mean choosing kindness instead of anger, forgiveness instead of holding grudges, or patience in moments of stress. It may also mean being more mindful in prayer and allowing God to guide our decisions.

Conversion of Heart

John calls the people to repentance not out of fear, but out of hope because God’s kingdom is near. Conversion is not about feeling ashamed; it is about turning around and walking toward life, light, and peace. John challenges all of us:

Do our actions show we belong to God?
Do we bear “good fruit” in our daily lives?
Do our words and choices reflect Jesus’ presence within us?

This is the heart of Advent preparation.

The Promise of the Messiah

In the First Reading, Isaiah’s prophecy describes a coming ruler from the line of Jesse who will establish justice, peace, and harmony. This Messiah will bring wisdom, understanding, compassion, and fairness. Matthew’s Gospel confirms that Jesus is this long-awaited one.

The peace Isaiah describes is astonishing wolves lying with lambs, children safely near wild animals. It is a vision of a world transformed. Advent invites us to imagine and work toward that world: a world shaped by love, justice, and dignity for all.

The Fire of the Holy Spirit

John speaks of Jesus as the one who will baptise “…with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Fire purifies, strengthens, and renews. It is not destructive, but transformative.The Holy Spirit helps us grow into people of courage, compassion, truth, and humility. This divine fire burns away selfishness, fear, and negativity so that our lives become bright signs of God’s presence.

Living Advent Today

Advent encourages us to slow down and look inward. It calls us to hope even when the world feels uncertain, and to trust that God is always working in ways we may not see. John the Baptist reminds us that preparation is active we build the kingdom by the way we treat others, the way we pray, and the choices we make each day.

This week, we ask:
What can I change to prepare for Christ more deeply?
Where is God inviting me to grow?
How can I bring peace and hope to others?

Discussion Starters

What does it mean to “prepare the way for Jesus”?
What is one “good fruit” (a good action) you can show at school or home this week?
Why do you think John the Baptist wanted people to change their hearts?
How can you bring peace like the Messiah Isaiah described?
What is something you can do to get ready for Christmas on the inside, not just the outside?
John the Baptist challenges people to “repent.” What does repentance look like for someone your age?
What areas of your life need clearing, repairing, or redirecting before Christmas?
Isaiah describes a world of unity and peace. What steps can we take as a community to build such a world?
What does it mean for Jesus to baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire? How might the Holy Spirit be working in your life?
In what ways do you see “good fruit” in your relationships, choices, and responsibilities?
Where is God calling you to deeper conversion this Advent?
What “desert places” in your life might be opportunities for encounter with God?
How does John's call to authenticity challenge us in a world of appearances and distractions?
What part of Isaiah’s vision speaks most strongly to you today?
How can our school community be a sign of hope and peace during Advent?

Let us pray:

Loving God,

As we enter the second week of Advent,help us listen to the voice of John the Baptistcalling us to prepare the way for Jesus.

Open our hearts to change what needs changing,to show kindness, respect, and responsibility,and to make room for Your peace.

Send Your Holy Spirit to guide usso that our words and actions bear good fruitin our families, friendships, and our school.Come, Lord Jesus, fill our lives with hope.

Amen.

God Bless

Rozeta Ambrose

Religious Education Leader

rambrose@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

GRADE 5/6 SOCIAL JUSTICE TEAM – MINI VINNIES

COMMUNITY SPIRIT HOUSE POINTS

The total House points for each House so far:

1st	PATRICK	5 088
2nd	BOSCO	5 056
3rd	TERESA	4 593
4th	MACKILLOP	4 166

Impressive Patrick has taken the lead!! Well done Patrick!! But now we have the Christmas Appeal also. Students will be given points for both hamper items and presents they bring in.

SFS CHRISTMAS APPEAL LAUNCH!

HOME GROUP CHRISTMAS HAMPERS

Mini Vinnies spent a lot of time getting ready for the SFS Christmas

Appeal. We had Mini Vinnies creating notes to give to students listing the hamper item they need to bring in, putting up our Giving Trees, preparing gift tags to put on our Christmas Trees and finally delivering hampers to Home Groups.

On Monday students would have come home with a small tag asking you to contribute to the Home Group hamper. It listed the item your child needs to bring in for the hamper.

Please ensure all food is non-perishable and within the used by or best before date. If you would like to contribute an extra item you are most welcome and it would be greatly appreciated. All items will need to be returned to your Home Group teacher by next Thursday December 11th at the latest so it gives Mini Vinnies time to organise and wrap the hampers before the Hampton Park Conference collects them.

Students will be given House points for the items they bring in which will go towards the House Community Spirit Award which will be presented on the last day of school to the winning House.

Our Giving Trees also went up in each Learning Space on Monday. Mini Vinnies have decided that our Christmas presents this year will go to the South Eastern Soupvan and the Cranbourne SVDP Conference. If you would like to collect a tag to purchase a present, please go with your child to their Learning Space and choose a tag for the child you would like to purchase a present for.

Please ensure the tag has your child’s house coloured ribbon on it. Once again, students will be given points for the presents they bring in, which will go towards their House for the Community Spirit Award. Please do not wrap presents but attach the tag onto the present, after you have purchased it, and return it to the Christmas tree where you took the tag from.

If you are unable to come to the school to collect a tag, please write a note in your child’s diary giving them permission to collect a tag and the LSOs and Mini Vinnies in that Learning Space will assist them to collect a tag from the Christmas tree which they can then bring home. Please note presents will need to be returned at the latest by next Thursday December 11th.

We thank the SFS Community in advance. Our Christmas Appeal is always so successful and we help so many families. Christmas is a time for families to celebrate and with your assistance we will ensure many families are able to celebrate Christmas! Thank you for giving!

AND NOW FROM THE MINI VINNIES AND SAID SO WELL…

Giuliana

Mini Vinnies Facilitator

gfaiola@sfslynbrook.catholic.edu.au

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