Advent But what does advent mean Advent means

Advent

But what does advent mean? Advent means ‘the coming’ of something.

We have FOUR Sundays to get ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth.

Why have an Advent Wreath? • • The wreath is a circle. Why? To show that God’s love goes on. It is green. Why? To show new hope. • The four outer candles are for? • The four Sundays of Advent

Advent is the season of preparation for Christmas Over the next few weeks we will make time to prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus And think about what that means for us

Every day there are things we wait for Think of what some of them are…

Some things can be really worth waiting for

Your Birthday

And all the presents

And then there are more important things worth waiting for

The four traditional advent themes • The Candle of HOPE • The Candle of PEACE • The Candle of JOY • The Candle of LOVE • A fifth candle is sometimes lit in the middle to celebrate the birth of Jesus

We light the first candle of Advent – the candle of hope

Advent Prayer. Advent is a time for us to think about Christmas. It's a time for getting ready and an exciting time too. Help us to find ways to be good and help others just like Jesus did. Amen.

What do we think Our Lord’s greatest hope would be today:

That the world was a happy and healthy place to live in.

That we loved one another.

That we give as well as receive.

There are no outsiders.

We remember the real meaning of Christmas.

How can we spread hope during this first week of Advent? By being kind to each other.

How can we spread hope during this first week of Advent? By spreading peace and happiness.

How can we spread hope during this first week of Advent? By remembering the true meaning of Christmas.

How can we spread hope during this first week of Advent? By making sure that we say thank you to our families.

How can we spread hope during this first week of Advent? By thanking God for sending us His son.

How can we spread hope during this first week of Advent? By not leaving anybody out.

Away in a Manger Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the bright sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay.

The cattle are lowing, the baby awakes, But little Lord Jesus no crying he makes. I love Thee, Lord Jesus, look down from the sky And stay by my side until morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus, I ask Thee to stay Close by me forever, and love me I pray Bless all the dear children in thy tender care, And fit us for heaven, to live with Thee there.