Happy New Year!
It might seem early, but this Sunday marks the beginning of the Church’s new year. We have changed our colour from the Green of Ordinary Time to Purple.
You will notice the Advent Wreath in the chapel and perhaps in your form rooms. Advent is a season of waiting and anticipation. It is not just about getting ready for presents Santa; it is about preparing our hearts to welcome light into the darkness.
This week, we light the first purple candle on the wreath. This is the candle of Hope.
If you want to add a minute of hope you can do so at www.minutesofhope.com
Day 1 – The hope this is to come….
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
A reading from the Prophet Isaiah
In the days to come, the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains…
Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.”
He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord!
The Word of the Lord.
R./ Thanks be to God
This reading from Isaiah is one of the most famous descriptions of Hope in the Bible. Isaiah lived in a time of war and fear, yet he dared to dream of a future where weapons of destruction (swords) are melted down and turned into tools for feeding people (ploughshares). He tells us that with God, it is possible to transform violence into peace, and despair into growth. In Advent we hear a lot from the Prophets as they begin to paint a picture of Christ who is to come.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the “swords” in our school or community (words, attitudes, or actions that hurt others) that need to be turned into “ploughshares” (things that help us grow)?
- Why is it harder to hope when things are going wrong than when things are going well?
- What is one specific thing you are hoping for this Advent?
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God of Hope, as we begin this season of Advent, help us to see the world not just as it is, but as it could be. Give us the courage to turn our anger into action and our fear into trust. May we walk in your light this week. Amen.
Day 2 – Something to rely on…
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen.
Introduction: At this time of year, everything speeds up. The shops are louder, the lights are brighter, and the pressure to be busy is everywhere. But Advent invites us to do the opposite: to slow down and find the quiet.
We often think “Hope” is just crossing our fingers and wishing for the best. But true Hope is different. True Hope is certainty. It is knowing that no matter how chaotic or confusing the world gets, there is a solid ground beneath our feet. It is knowing there is a place, or a person, or a truth that never changes.
We are going to listen to a piece of music you will likely recognise. It’s a song about going back to a special place when the world becomes too much. The lyrics say: “I’m getting old and I need something to rely on.”
Reflection: As you listen to the track today, we aren’t going to have a group discussion. Instead, use these three minutes to just be still.
As the music plays, ask yourself these questions in the silence of your own mind:
- When I feel overwhelmed or tired, what is the “simple thing” I rely on?
- Who are the people, or where is the place, that makes me feel safe and certain?
- If I could go to a place “only we know”—a quiet space with God—what would I say to Him today?
Sit comfortably, close your eyes if you wish, and let the music help you find that quiet place inside yourself.
Spend some time if you wish collecting your thoughts and reflections for your scrap book.
Lord, be our rock and our safe place. When the world feels fast and confusing, remind us that You are the simple thing we can always rely on. Help us to carry this quiet certainty of hope in our hearts today. Amen.
Day 3 – Lighting the way…
We invite you to start with the Sign of the Cross.
Response: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, Amen
This Advent, we are embarking on a mission to fill our school Chapel with light. But we aren’t just using electricity; we are using prayer.
On the Chapel wall, we are creating a Giant Advent Wreath. Right now, it is just an outline—it is empty and dark. Over the next four weeks, as we journey towards Christmas, we are going to fill it, flame by flame, until the whole chapel glows with the prayers of our community.
Today, we light the first section: Hope.
Activity: The Flame of Hope
These will be collected and taken to the Chapel to create the first great “candle” on our wall display.
You have been given a paper flame template.
On this flame, we ask you to write one hope you have for the world. It might be for peace in a specific country, for an end to poverty, or for healing for someone who is sick.
As you write, remember that your single flame might seem small, but when added to hundreds of others from across the school, it becomes a blinding light.
Lord, bless these flames we have created. Though we are just one person, and just one form, we join our prayers with the rest of our school community. May our combined hopes light up our Chapel, just as your love lights up the world. Amen.
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