This year we shared advent with the children, but why is Advent celebrated?
Advent is the start of the Christian year. The word Advent comes from the Latin ‘adventus,’ which means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’ to signify the birth of Jesus. Advent is a time for celebration; anticipating Christ’s birth and looking forward to when Jesus will come again. Christians believe Jesus is the son of god so they celebrate the lead up to his birth. It’s traditionally celebrated starting from the Sunday nearest to 30th November, but modern advent calendars start the countdown on December 1st. It began in Germany over 250 years ago.
We looked at how advent is celebrated around the world:
- In Germany, on the 6th December, Saint Nikolaus comes and puts sweets in children’s shoes during the night.
- In Denmark, families burn calendar candles. The candle is burnt a little each night until it is finished on Christmas Eve.
- In Finland, families have ice or snow lanterns burning in their gardens.
In Mexico, Las Posadas re-enacts the journey that Joseph and Mary made to Bethlehem in search of a place where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus.
‘Posada’ (Spanish for ‘inn’) is a Christmas activity which lasts from December 16th – 24th when small versions of Mary and Joseph travel around different households in the community and stay there for one night. People sign up in advance, offering to host Mary and Joseph for a night. It’s open to everyone, and lots of families find it’s a great way to be involved in the Christmas story. On Christmas eve, the figures are returned to church, often at the Nativity or Crib service as everyone gets ready to welcome the Christ child once again.
The Posada is a chance to host Mary and Joseph – to make room for Jesus at Christmas time! At St Michael’s, we also re-enact the journey of the Posada travelling from class to class.
Monday 2nd December – The journey began in Ms Gillespie’s office, where they spent the night after the initial collective worship.
Tuesday 3rd December – our travellers arrive in the school office. We make sure when handing our visitors over we share these words.
GIVERS: We bring Mary and Joseph who are travelling towards Bethlehem and the birth of Jesus. Will you give them shelter and somewhere to rest on their journey?
RECEIVERS: We will
The figures are handed over
GIVERS: May they be a symbol to you of taking the Lord Jesus into your hearts
RECEIVERS: Amen
Wednesday 4th December – Onwards go Mary and Joseph to find shelter in the Nursery. They had to cross a little road, but arrived safely. Time for some play with the Nursery children before settling in for the night.
Thursday 5th December – travelling not so far to the classroom next door. Our travellers made it to Reception class.
Friday 6th December – After a lovely night in Reception, it was time to move on to Year 1. We will have a great sleep is this cosy class tonight, in fact we are in Year 1 for the weekend. See you all on Monday 9th December.
We had such a great time with Year 1 we decided to stay a while, but now it’s time to move on. We have arrived safely in Year 2 and were welcomed by the wonderful children.
