Advent brings hope to students at St. Mary’s Academy

Every year, the St. Mary’s Academy religion classes organize an Advent event introducing this season of waiting and preparation to the entire school. This year’s event was a virtual prayer service Dec. 1 led by eighth graders and zoomed into all classrooms.

It began with the song, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Six eighth graders read prayers explaining each week of the season. First reader Ja’Leah Gilbert had students think about the question “Are you ready for the coming of the Lord?”


Second reader Heaven Campton explained that Advent means “coming,” a time of preparation for the birth of Christ at Christmas.

She also mentioned the significance of the wreath: the color green symbolizes life; the evergreen wreath reminds us that God’s love for us never changes; the wreath’s circular shape represents God’s unconditional love for us with no beginning and no end. 

The symbolism of four weekly candles – three purple candles and one pink – was also explained. Purple symbolizes sorrow, the sorrow we feel for not loving Jesus enough, but we will make an effort to do better during Advent in anticipation of welcoming the Lord; and the pink or rose color – lit on the third week of Advent – symbolizes joy. Lighting the candles is symbolic of Jesus being the “Light of the World” and that his teachings are our guiding light. 

The eighth graders culled multiple sources to write a special prayer. Student Nyla Turner told students to find shelter in the Lord’s love and to follow his example of love by praying: “God of hope, who brought love into this world, be the love that dwells within us. God of hope, who brought peace into this world, be the peace that dwells within us. God of hope, who brought joy into this world, be the joy that dwells within us. God of hope, the rock we stand upon, be the center, the focus of our lives always, especially during this Advent season. We place our hope in you as we prepare our hearts to celebrate your birth on Christmas. Amen.”

Glad to be back together
“This year, we were able to have the experience as a group which made it more spiritual and family oriented,” said eighth grader Tatum Williams who spoke as the fourth reader and said that the second week of Advent means peace. She asked the Lord to let the “living waters of your spirit to revive us, enlighten us and bring forth new life.”

“During the pandemic, last year, we couldn’t be with each other, but this year we were able to pray together and that gives us hope,” said eighth grader Sejal Muhammad.

Nia Bennett, the fifth reader, described how the third week of Advent means joy and was so happy to be together this year.

Advent activities continue daily in each religion class with students gathering around the wreath with candles lit, reciting Advent prayers and sharing reflections on a chosen scripture passage.

Students were excited to have Advent activities together as well as in group preparation time. The preparation has allowed the students to unite for a common event, reflect on the season and give thanks for the upcoming celebration. 

“Last year, we couldn’t be next to each other feeling the Holy Spirit,” said eighth grader Sahari Walker. “This year at St. Mary’s Academy we can pray together as one holy family.”

The students of St. Mary’s Academy are enjoying the joyous wonders that unfold during this Advent season. In a unified voice the message is, “Come, Lord Jesus, we are waiting for you!”
 
Judy Sherman is chair of the religion department at St. Mary’s Academy.