Advent Liturgies

Throughout this week pupils were invited to the main hall to celebrate our Advent Liturgies, led by school chaplain Emily, helping pupils prepare for the birth of Christ and truly enter into Advent. Each Head of Year encouraged pupils to listen carefully to the scriptures chosen for the liturgy and explained how relevant they can be today.

The Advent Wreath, the Christian tradition that symbolises the passage of the four weeks of Advent in the liturgical calendar, together with a nativity scene with manger, were the focus throughout the liturgies.

After an opening introduction by Emily, explaining the difficulties of the year and how these liturgies are the first we have had for a long time and a blessing for all of us to be able to come together for Advent. In the liturgies, more than ever, Emily encouraged pupils to listen and open your hearts and be filled with hope, joy, peace and love – the free gifts Christ wants to bless us with during Advent.

Pupils were encouraged to carefully listen to the liturgy readings and hear the voice of God speaking personally to us in our lives today.

A reading from the prophet Isaiah 9:1-6 was then read by Lucy Simpkin which was followed by a video depicting the ‘Hope’ of Advent.

Our second reading from Luke’s Gospel, read by pupil Adam Newton telling of the annunciation was followed again by a video graphically portraying the nativity. On reflection of the reading, Headteacher Mr Hubbard explained that after such a difficult year, it is understandable that so many people all over the country have wanted to put up their Christmas lights much earlier than usual. But there is light that is deeper and brighter and eternal. This is the light of God that came into our world as a human baby. Mr Hubbard concluded that Jesus will be our guide and whatever darkness we might experience, his light will never fade and will always offer us a new life.

Prayers of intercession were then read by Head Girl Heli Bhakta and Year 11 pupils Josh Dickinson and Ellie-May Duffy.

After a closing prayer by Chaplain Emily, pupils left the hall in silence accompanied by music with a true sense of Advent.