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
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.
We’ve moved to Kahoot for this weeks quiz! Ask your form tutor to use the link below to start your quiz!
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