We are so excited to celebrate the season of Advent at ICS. With much anticipation, we are awaiting Christmas and getting in the spirit of the season at school and at home! Advent is the time of year that we prepare for Jesus’ birth. The four weeks prior to Christmas Day are a reason for us to patiently reflect as we long for the celebration of Christmas.
The word advent comes from the Latin word for “coming” or “arrival.” It is the perfect word to describe that Jesus is coming at Christmas. This year, Advent begins on Sunday, November 27 and ends on Saturday, December 24. You may notice our beautiful Advent wreath at Church! There are four candles on it, three purple and one pink, and each symbolizes one week of Advent. Every week, one candle is lit with each candle holding a special significance:
First Advent Candle (purple) - Hope
Second Advent Candle (purple) - Love
Third Advent Candle (pink) - Joy
Fourth Advent Candle (purple) - Peace
Try to pay special attention to the lighting of the Advent candles at Church every Sunday this year. It is such a special part of the Mass.
Perhaps you have your own Advent calendar at home too! Bringing this special symbol into your home is such a great tradition. Be sure to light your Advent calendars with your loved ones every Sunday!
There are many other ways that we can celebrate the season of Advent as well. Here are some fun things to do together as a family:
Read an Advent story book together
Attend Mass as a family
Decorate your house for Christmas with a nativity set
Practice your Christmas carols
May this season of Advent fill your home with anticipation and joy in the knowledge that we are preparing for Jesus’ birth.
