The season of Advent is upon us! Schools throughout the Ottawa Catholic School Board community wait in joyful expectation as we celebrate this season of great hope. As a Catholic learning community, we look forward to this time of great anticipation, reflection, and celebration to commemorate the birth of Jesus.
What is Advent?
Advent is a Latin word that actually means “coming.” Advent is the time of preparation for the coming of Jesus. During Advent, we come together, celebrate and worship in many different ways. Advent officially begins four Sundays before Christmas. One way we celebrate Advent is by displaying an Advent wreath and lighting a candle every week. An Advent wreath typically consists of greenery with four candles– three purple and one pink.
The meaning behind the Advent wreath
The Advent wreath’s circular shape is symbolic of eternity. It reminds us that God’s love goes on forever and ever. The evergreens in the wreath symbolize eternal life. Each candle represents a different aspect of the Advent season:
- Candle one (Purple) represents Hope. Hope is the desire of something together with the expectation of obtaining it.
- Candle two (Purple) represents Peace. Peace is the calm that comes from the agreement between all people. It’s the foundation of every well-ordered society.
- Candle three (Pink) represents Joy. Joy is great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good.
- Candle four (Purple) represents Love. Love is to desire the ultimate good of another person.
Celebrating #ocsbAdvent in our schools
Our schools and Board office are already getting ready to celebrate the joy of the Advent season. Here are some recent snapshots of how we’re celebrating. We’d love to see how you celebrate Advent in your homes! Share your photos on social media and remember to use the hashtag #ocsbAdvent!