Assistant Principal - Mission - Staff and Student Wellbeing

As 2020 comes to a close there is much in the media reflecting on the year that was. We all in one way or another experienced the uncertainties that unfolded. However, the one constant for all of us was that of Jesus Christ. As we come to the end of Advent we will, as we do every year, celebrate the coming of Jesus Our Saviour at Christmas, albeit a little differently.

The dictionary defines the word ‘advent’ as ‘arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)’ It comes from the Latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘coming’. The birth of Jesus is certainly momentous.

The liturgical season of Advent is time for preparation. We prepare our homes, prepare meals and buy presents. Do we really stop to think why we are doing all these things? Who are we preparing for? As Christians we are preparing for the coming Jesus Christ.

Advent is also a time of prayer. Each week is signified with a focus of prayer of Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. These are qualities we saw in Jesus through the Gospels. During Advent let us all try to put these same qualities into our day to day dealings. 

We need to make a conscious effort to keep Christ in Christmas. Without Him there would be no Christmas at all. So let’s not say Merry Xmas or Happy Holidays. Let’s all have a Holy, happy and safe Christmas.

This Christmas, may the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of Jesus Christ be with all our SPJC families.

‘It is the beautiful task of Advent to awaken in all of us memories of goodness and thus to open the doors of hope.’ Pope Benedict.