It is an ancient Christian tradition for families to gather to ask for God’s blessing on their home and all who visit or live there. Chalk is used to write a traditional symbol on the door frame, doorstep or close to the door of the house, along with prayers asking Jesus to visit and be present in that home. You and your family may like to take part in this tradition. There is a sheet with this newsletter to help you do this as we start our new year together.
We finished with an Advent Candle Prayer Something to take away and further reflect on this season. Bring us O Lord God at our last awakening, into the house and gate of heaven; to enter into that gate and dwell in that house, where there shall be > no darkness nor dazzling, but one equal light; > no noise nor silence, but one equal music; > no fears nor hopes, but one equal possession; > no ends nor beginnings but one equal eternity in the habitation of thy glory and dominium, world without end/. Amen. (John Donne)
The Advent wreath is used to symbolically commemorate newness, eternal life, and the death and resurrection of the promised Messiah. Traditionally, the Advent wreath is a circle of evergreen branches. It is often decorated with berries and pinecones. Both the evergreen branches and the circular shape symbolize the passing of time and eternal life. The shape of the wreath, with no beginning or end, reflects the complete and endless love that Jesus has for us. During the Advent season, we eagerly anticipate his coming and the promise of eternal life in heaven with him As a Christian tradition, the wreath holds the four Advent candles. The candles represent Jesus coming as the light in darkness. One candle is lit each Sunday until all four candles are lit. As Christmas draws nearer, each candle brings a little more light into the darkness. A white candle is lit on Christmas Day to symbolize that Jesus is with us. This can be referred to as the "Christ candle." Each Sunday in Advent, we light a candle on our Advent Wreath. The four candles of Advent represent the four Sundays of Advent, and they respectively symbolize hope, peace, joy, and love · First candle: HOPE · Second candle: PEACE · Third candle: JOY · Fourth candle: LOVE Each Sunday in Advent there will be a free craft ‘Take away’ for our youngsters. Be sure to attend church every week and collect the set 😊Please click on the link to see the full events program for St John's over the Christmas period.
Spend a moment of quiet as you select a coloured ribbon and tie to the tree. Each ribbon represents a prayer from someone. and is a wonderful symbol of hope in our community at this time. The tree will be in place till Epiphany, so do visit more than once.
