Have you ever waited ages for something to come?

ADVENT

L.O-To explore the meaning of advent and the advent

wreath.

Advent Today

• Advent means ‘the coming’ of something.

• Advent is a period lasting FOUR Sundays (not weeks!) preparing for the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

• The first Sunday of Advent also marks the beginning of the Christian Church's year.

• Because the celebration is such an important event, Christians want to make themselves completely ready.

Why is the Advent Wreath so special to Christians?

• The circle of the wreath reminds Christians of God, His eternity and endless mercy, and love which has no beginning or end.

• The evergreen leaves of the wreath reminds us that God like the evergreen leaves is unchanging.

What do the colours of the Candles represent?

The four outer candles represent the period of waiting during the four Sundays of Advent

THE PURPLE CANDLES: represents sorrow, our sorrow for our failure to love in so many parts of our lives

THE PINK CANDLE: represents our joy and happiness at the coming of Christ. We light this on the 3rd Sunday of advent.

THE WHITE CANDLE: represents Christ as the light of the world and is lit on Christmas day.

The four traditional advent themes

1. The Candle of HOPE

2. The Candle of PEACE

3. The Candle of LOVE

4. The Candle of JOY

5. The white candle is sometimes lit in the middle to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

CLASS ADVENT WREATH

• Think about what your themes or preparations could be for this time/season write a list….. For example, help mum with the Christmas shopping, go to an Advent Mass, go to a carol service

• Draw around your hand on the paper supplied.• Along each finger write one of your advent

themes/preparations• Cut out and hand in/stick on card circle to make a

big class advent wreath

Extension:

• Other than a candle think of other symbols which could be used in Advent to show:

• Hope• Peace• Love • Joy

Post-it note!

• On a post it note write one thing you have learnt today and one question.

• Swap this note with a partner. • The question you have asked, must

be found out by your partner as home work!