Advent

Embracing the Advent Season: 

A Time of Hope, Joy, and Reflection

Dear OLHC Community

We continue our Advent journey through Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love, inviting us to embrace the true spirit of Christmas. Here's a recap of Week 1 and a glimpse of week 2 which begins this Sunday.

Week 1: Sparking Hope in Our Hearts

A Special Aussie Prayer for Advent

As we light the candles and count the days,

Help us understand Advent in our Aussie ways.

We're waiting for Christmas, full of delight,

Under the Southern Cross, let's make everything right.

For hope, peace, joy, and love we pray,

Guide us through Advent, Aussie-style, each day.

Each candle we light, a symbol so bright,

Reminds us of Jesus, the true Christmas light.

Help us be patient, not just in waiting,

But in kindness and love, never hesitating.

As we prepare for the Savior's birth,

May our hearts be filled with joy and mirth.

In this season of giving and sharing,

Teach us compassion, always caring.

Advent is here, a time to prepare,

For the greatest gift, beyond compare.

Thank you, God, for this special time,

As we wait for Christmas, in the Aussie sunshine.

Bless our families, our mates so dear,

In this season of Advent, bring us near.

Amen

 Week 2: Peace

This week, the focus turns to the candle of Peace. As we light it, let's consider ways to bring peace into our lives and share it with those around us. The Advent journey calls us to cultivate an inner calm, to seek reconciliation, and to be ambassadors of peace.

 Family Practices for a Summer Advent

1. Backyard Picnics: Gather the family for a picnic in the backyard, reflecting on the peace found in nature.

2. Beachside Devotions: Incorporate daily reflections on peace, accompanied by the soothing sounds of waves at your favourite beach.

3. Acts of Kindness: Extend gestures of peace to others, embodying the spirit of mateship and understanding.

4. Bush Nativity Storytelling: Share the Nativity story under the Aussie stars, imagining the serene beauty of a bush stable.

5. Advent Calendar Beach Activities: Include peace-focused activities in your Advent calendar, reinforcing the significance of cultivating peace in our daily lives.

Closing Thoughts

As we light the candle of Peace in our summer, may its glow radiate through our homes, bringing the calmness of the season to our families. Let us, as parents, lead by example and be ambassadors of peace in every interaction. May this Advent season be a time of reflection.

In warm regards

Clare Bisby 

Faith Leader