Reflecting on Advent: A Season of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love

12/6/2024

On December 6, 2024, the Chatham Hall community gathered in St. Mary’s Chapel for our Advent Chapel service, embracing the warmth, reflection, and anticipation that this sacred season brings.

The Origins of the Advent Wreath

The Advent wreath, a central element of our service, has its roots in pre-Christian Germany, where candles were lit during the dark winter months in anticipation of spring. Over time, this practice evolved into a Christian tradition, symbolizing the coming of Christ and the light of God in the world.

A Celebration of Light and Meaning

Our gathering words from Pope Francis reminded us of our role in spreading light and joy:
"May we be in this world a ray of light, bringing joy and peace to the hearts of all people!"

Introducing the Liturgical Calendar and Godly Play

Mother Becky and Debbie Morris introduced the liturgical calendar and "Godly Play," a Montessori-inspired approach to spiritual storytelling. Their reflections invited us to explore Advent through wonder and imagination.

Lighting the Advent Candles

Hope: It is only fitting that the first candle of the Advent wreath represents Hope - - leading us to anticipate the birth of Jesus and to celebrate the beginning of a new season. The first candle is purple, the primary color of Advent. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle,” which refers to the Prophet Isaiah, who foretold the birth of a Messiah. (Anushree A. ’27)
Peace: The second week of Advent takes us from thinking about hope to a related idea - - peace. Like the first candle, it is also purple. Often called the “Bethlehem Candle,” the second Advent candle reminds us of Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where Mary gave birth to Jesus, the prince of peace. (Lexi W. ’26)
Joy: The third candle of Advent symbolizes joy and reminds us of the joyful anticipation of the shepherds, who journeyed for miles to see Jesus in Bethlehem. As we move through the season of Advent towards Christmas Day, our joy grows more and more. For this reason, the third candle of Advent is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” Its color is rose, the liturgical color for joy. (Ana C. ’26)
Love: Love plays a vital role in the Christmas story and the Christian faith. We see Joseph’s love for Mary, Mary’s love for Jesus, Jesus’ love for his disciples, the disciples’ love of their neighbors, and God’s love for all humanity. Jesus focused on preaching love throughout his ministry, and his main teachings were to love - to love God and one another. (Nicole H. ’28)

Prayer, Reflection, and Song

Read by Isabella C.P. ’25

We are in a season of great anticipation, excitement, and celebration. Yet, in the midst of our delight and decorations, the world for many is unsafe and cold. This poem by Howard Thurman reminds us of why lighting candles is a meaningful symbol across all faith traditions. May its message guide us to become carriers of a light that brings hope, peace, joy, and love wherever we may be this December.

“I Will Light Candles”

I will light Candles this season;
Candles of joy despite all sadness,
Candles of hope where despair keeps watch,
Candles of courage for fears ever present,
Candles of peace for tempest-tossed days,
Candles of grace to ease heavy burdens,
Candles of love to inspire all my living,
Candles that will burn all year long.

When the song of the angels is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:

To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among others,
To make music in the heart.

Moving Forward with the Spirit of Advent

As we transition from Advent to Christmas, may we carry the light of hope, peace, joy, and love into the world. Let us make a difference, one small act of kindness at a time, keeping the spirit of this season alive throughout the year.

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