Welcome to our advent collective worship we will be reflecting today on the theme of advent and how it is a time to prepare and await the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.

Discussion: How do you prepare for Christmas in your homes? Gospel Reading, from Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel. Discussion: How do you prepare for Christmas in your homes?

reflection Advent, from the Latin adventus, meaning arrival, is a chance for us to slow down and take time to prepare for Jesus’ birth at Christmas.   It is an opportunity for us to reflect quietly on what Jesus’ coming to earth really means for us, in contrast with the headlong rush towards Christmas Day, parties, presents and turkey we experience in the world outside the church.

How do you think this Mumford and Sons Song relates to Advent? Watch me! As we wait expectantly for the birth of Jesus, we use this time called Advent to prepare ourselves for His arrival. How do you think this Mumford and Sons Song relates to Advent?

An Advent wreath is placed in Churches and homes at the start of Advent. The green leaves symbolise eternal life. There are 3 purple candles symbolic of hope, preparation and joy. The candles are lit in succession each Sunday in Advent as a way of remembering and celebrating the upcoming birth of Jesus Christ. This means we can extend the celebration of Christmas and take time to think about what’s going to be happening in the run up to Christmas Day.

The purple ribbon You will all be given a purple ribbon. Tie it somewhere you will see it often- your wrists, your blazer, your organiser, it’s up to you where you tie it. Keep it on for the duration of advent. You have permission to wear it in school during advent.

The purple ribbon Write a word or a promise on your ribbon that will remind you that you are preparing for the arrival of Christ. Use it as a reminder of what advent is about: the excited expectancy of the birth of Jesus Christ. Remind yourself to slow down and prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, rather than rush through everything you need to do.

Lord, during advent help us to slow down to your rhythm, to prepare for the anniversary of your arrival quietly and expectantly. Give us a sense of hope for our lives and our world, a sense of peace that you hold each of us in your hands, a sense of just how much you love us and a sense of joy at the plans you have for us. Using this purple ribbon as a reminder, help us to make a special effort to reflect your hope, peace, love and joy to those around us throughout advent. Amen.