RE at St Thomas More School

An Advent Wreath is another popular symbol used during the four weeks of Advent. You could make your own one at home, or perhaps your form class could make one. My church gave out instructions on how to make an Advent Wreath, so I am going to share them with you, in case you want to make one too.

You will need the following items, many of which can be bought from a florist:

1 plate sized base.
An oasis, which you will need to fit into the base, then soak well.
4 candle holders, which will fit into the oasis.
Some evergreen leaves, cut into small pieces, which will fill up the oasis and round the base.
A piece of purple ribbon, to tie around the base.

(If you can’t get those items, why not make your own Advent Wreath like this one?

This is the meaning of the Advent wreath:

1. The circle is a symbol of eternity. God has no beginning and no ending.
2. The evergreen is a symbol of the never changing love of God. He always loves us.
3. The four candles – there is one candle for each week of Advent. As Christmas draws nearer the light gets stronger. The light is a symbol of Christ, the Light of the World.
4. The purple ribbon (and the purple vestments worn in church) is a sign of the pain of our longing for Jesus’ Spirit to come into our lives, so that we may be like him, a little light leading people to God.

You could use the Advent wreath at home in the following way:

1. The family gathers around the wreath.
2. The candle(s) is (are) lit by one member of the family. (Take turns!)
3. A hymn is sung.
4. Each member of the family prays.
5. Pause for thought.
6. All say the Our Father and the Hail Mary.

This is taken from my church newsletter:

During the season of Advent we think about the coming of Jesus into our world. The readings on Sundays are taken from the parts of the Bible which tell us about God’s special people, the Jews, longing and waiting for the Messiah. This name means Saviour, that is, someone who saves and makes whole. We know that Jesus is the Saviour and he has shown us how we can be saved. We believe that he is Risen and Alive, helping us to be saved. We allow him to come among us every time we are forgiving, kind and patient. We meet him in others when they are kind to us.

Let us, during these four weeks of Advent, help to bring Jesus to everyone we meet by sharing our love with them. After all, Jesus said: “Whatever you do to others you do to me.”

Have a fun and happy Advent!