Spirituality in the Community

We would love for our church and local community to get involved with some activities to help them feel more spiritual.

We have a public reflection area in school by the hope window. Our current focus is Advent.

Advent Wreath – Symbolism

The circle of the wreath shows that God is eternal.

The evergreen plants represent life and the immortality of God and Jesus.

The 4 outer candles represent the 4 weeks of advent.

Purple is a colour of preparation and royalty.

Pink is a colour of joy.

1st Sunday of Advent – The first candle representing hope is lit. It is also known as the prophecy candle and it reminds us of how the prophets foretold of the birth of Jesus, the Messiah.

2nd Sunday of Advent – The second candle representing peace is lit. It is also known as the Bethlehem candle and it reminds us of the difficult journey to Bethlehem that Mary and Joseph made.

3rd Sunday of Advent – The third candle representing joy is lit. It is also known at the shepherds’ candle and it reminds us of the joy and anticipation the shepherds felt as they were travelling to visit the baby Jesus.

4th Sunday of Advent – The fourth candle representing love is lit. It is also known as the Angel’s candle and it helps us to think about God’s Kingdom on Earth.

Christmas Eve or Christmas Day – The final white candle representing Jesus is lit. The white colour represents the purity of Jesus and it reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world.

Hope

Think about something you hope for this Christmas.

It could be for the whole world, or for someone you know – but it cannot be something that can be bought with money.

You could say a prayer asking God to grant your hope for others.

If you would like, please let us know your Christmas hope by emailing ethos@stphilipwestbrook.co.uk

Peace

What sort of person would have these nicknames?

What does it mean to be a ruler? Or a Wonderful Counsellor? A Mighty God? An Eternal Father? Prince of Peace?

If you were to be given a special title, what would you like? What sort of leader would you want to be? What would your kingdom be like?

Think about which name you would like to live up to and why. Take a moment to think how you could begin to live up to that name today.

If you would like, please let us know your special title and why you chose it by emailing ethos@stphilipwestbrook.co.uk