Prayer & Reflection

Advent Week 1

Dear Families,

As we enter this special time of year, it’s important to pause and reflect on what Advent truly means. Advent is the beginning of the Church’s liturgical year and is a season of preparation for Christmas, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour. The word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming" or "arrival."

For Catholics, Advent is a time to prepare our hearts and minds for the coming of Christ. This isn’t just about getting ready for Christmas Day with decorations, shopping, and festive activities. It’s about preparing spiritually, focusing on hope, peace, joy, and love - the central themes of Advent.

The Advent wreath, with its four candles, is a familiar symbol of the season. Each candle represents one of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. The first candle symbolises hope, reminding us of the hope we have in Christ and His promise to bring light to our lives.

Advent invites us to take time out of our busy lives to pray, reflect, and grow closer to God. It’s a reminder that Christmas isn’t just about gifts and gatherings but about the incredible gift of Jesus coming into the world to save us.

Let us use this Advent season to slow down and focus on what really matters - our faith, our families, and the joy of Christ’s love in our lives.

A Prayer for the First Week of Advent

Loving God,

as we light the first candle of Advent,

help us to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus.

Fill us with hope and guide us to share Your light with those around us.

may this season bring peace to our world,

and may we grow in faith and love each day.

Amen.

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful Advent season.

Rudy Vail

Principal