12/2/18 - This Week in Sunday School

THE FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT - HOPE

Sunday School was held for ALL students this week - Littles, Middles, and Youth

Before going downstairs for Sunday School, our students presided at the readings, prayers and lighting of the 1st candle in the Advent Wreath.

Theme for All Students - The Meaning of Advent and the Advent Wreath

Littles, Middles, and Youth - We talked about the meaning of Advent, a time of preparing for the birth of Jesus. And we talked about the Advent Wreath and its symbolism.

• It is a circle to remind us that God has no beginning and no end.  God has always lived and always will.
• Evergreens are used on the wreath to remind us that people who love God will live forever with God.
• Colors - The blue or purple, which are royal colors, used on 3 of the 4 candles is to remind us that we are watching and preparing for our King.  The candle for the 3rd week, the week of Love, sometimes referred to as “Rose Sunday,” is pink to represent rejoicing in the love of God. This also matches the color of the vestments typically worn throughout Advent by the priest.
• Number of Candles - The 4 candles represent the 4 weeks in Advent.  Often a 5th candle, the “Christ Candle” is added to the center on Christmas Eve to represent the birth of Jesus.
• Lighting the candles in the Advent Wreath is to remind us of the way Jesus changed the darkness of hatred and evil into the light of joy and love.

Craft/Activity - Our Littles made a foam advent wreath.  All of our students helped to make some bird seed ornaments for our upcoming outdoor tree decorating event.

Middles and Youth - Also worked on practicing their poems and song for the Christmas Eve service.