Mission
Dear Parents/Guardians,
As I write this Newsletter I recognise that we had the lighting of the first Advent candle at mass last weekend and the lighting of both the first and second candles this coming weekend. The first candle, which is purple, symbolises ’hope’. It is sometimes called the ‘prophecy candle’ in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah.
Why be hopeful, because when we can choose hope, we move closer to optimism and action.
The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the ‘Bethlehem candle’ as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. The candle of love.
Why do I need Love? Ultimately, the reason why love and compassion bring us the greatest happiness is simply that our nature cherishes them above all else.
The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical colour for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have past the midpoint of Advent.
Why be joyful, because joy is a choice, an action, a response to situations and most importantly, a gift that you can give to others.
On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the “Angel’s Candle,” symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: “Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.”
Why be peaceful, because when I am at peace, I accept who I am, I believe that I have value, and that I have an active part in the decisions around my life, during the good and difficult times.
The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The colour white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior.
ADVENT CYCLE
A new Church year has begun and another calendar year is drawing to a close. The cycles of life continue.
The days of Advent tell the story of a journey; in fact, at least two journeys. The first journey, told through the Old Testament, gives an account of the Hebrew people, of their trials and tribulations in seeking to follow the call of God, and their expectant waiting for his promise to be realised. The second journey is a shorter journey of nine months: from the Annunciation through to a birth in Bethlehem. And this birth is the fulfilment of the Hebrew people’s hope, though many failed to recognise it as such.
The candles of the Advent Wreath mark this journey liturgically. The first candle tells of the hope that’s central to both journeys.
The first candle: Hope
Sunday’s Mass Readings tell of promise, faithfulness and awareness. The Gospel speaks of apocalyptic trouble and consequent anxiety, and calls on Christians to be ready and alert. It’s as applicable today to our own challenges, as it was to the early Church as it faced division and persecution: “Stay awake, praying at all times for the strength to survive all that is going to happen, and to stand with confidence before the Son of Man” (Luke 21: 36). This is a call to steadfast hope, founded in the faithful love of God: a deep-down solid hope that can withstand everything that life can throw at us.
As Emily Dickinson tells us:
Hope is the thing of feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard.
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
Mr Steve Robinson
Religious Education Coordinator
