Thought For The Day – Wednesday 11th December 2024
Advent
Some people are remembering the season of Advent, as they prepare for Christmas.
There may be lights, candles lit safely and Advent calendars.
This may be an opportunity to reflect on this year so far, and to look ahead to the future.
Many will remember those who have passed away from this life, but whose love is always with us. Locally, there have been, and are, special “Lights of Love” events marking this.
The word Advent is derived from the Latin “adventus” meaning the arrival or coming of a notable event or person.
Of course, for Christians, the Advent of Jesus Christ is looked forward to, and prepared for, at this time.
We are currently preparing for our diverse and inclusive Christmas services at Saint Michael’s Church.
This is an opportunity for our community to come together and reflect.
Everyone will have their own personal, and collective, thoughts, feelings and perspectives, as we aim to lead a fair, good, humble and kind life, thinking of others and our environment, as well as ourselves.
In the busyness of life, it is so important to take a moment to reflect on what is important. It can be so easy to be distracted by things which, ultimately, do not matter.
Keeping the important things important is the challenge of life.
To love and be loved. That is all.
It equally important to take time to listen, understand and be compassionate to, one another and ourselves.
We are very grateful to the Music Department for all they do at every time of year, particularly on the big occasions at TBSHS.
It is always very interesting and inspiring how music provides the moving soundtrack to the moments of our lives.
Students need to practically prepare for the Christmas services themselves by: ensuring they know when their year group’s service is; making sure their uniform is smart as always; checking they are only taking what they need for that evening to the services (leaving everything else in their locker); organizing their arrangements for getting home after the services (booking a seat on the coach if they need a specific bus that only leaves from Beaumont Avenue). We also kindly ask students bring a donation, if they can afford, to the on-going work of the church in the community.
We are very mindful to our duties to others, in our local community, and globally, especially those in need.
As well as in what we do in every minute and hour of every day, week, month and year, it is our collective and community events and occasions at TBSHS that express our individual and collective identity and provide memories and moments that are always, like people themselves, remembered.
