Preparing Our Hearts for Christmas
The season of Advent is a special time for Catholics as we prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus at Christmas. It is a season of hope, waiting and reflection, reminding us to pause and prepare for the true meaning of Christ’s birth.
The Advent wreath helps guide us through this journey. Its circular shape symbolises God’s endless love, and each candle represents a growing light in the darkness as we move closer to Christmas. Lighting one additional candle each week reminds us that the birth of Jesus, the Light of the World, is drawing near and that we are invited to grow in hope, peace, joy and love as we wait for him.
Our Student Ministry Team has provided the following suggestions to help our school community engage with the season of Advent.
The First Week of Advent: 30 November 2025
- Light the first purple candle.
- Read from Scripture: “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined.” (Isaiah 9:2)
- Pray: “Dear Jesus, you are a source of light in our chaotic world. This Advent, help us to pause and reflect on what’s truly important this Christmas season. We place our hope in you as we prepare to celebrate your birth. Amen.”
- Reflect: Are you ready to discover the hope Jesus invites you to experience this Christmas?
The Second Week of Advent: 7 December 2025
- Light the first and second purple candles.
- Read from Scripture: “And Joseph also went up from Galilee to Bethlehem, with Mary, who was with child. And while they were there, she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:4-7)
- Pray: “Dear Jesus, you came into the world as the Prince of Peace. During this Advent season, help us live your values. Fill our hearts with peace and guide us to share that peace with everyone we meet, especially those who are vulnerable. Amen.”
- Reflect: What are your top three priorities as you prepare for Christmas?
The Third Week of Advent: 14 December 2025
- Light the first and second purple candles and the pink candle.
- Read from Scripture: “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” (Luke 2:20)
- Pray: “Dear Jesus, help us to keep our focus on you this Advent season. Help us to find you in the small things we do each day. We are grateful for this season of preparation and joy. Amen.”
- Reflect: On a scale from 1-10, how would you rate your joy this Advent? How might God be inviting you to open your heart to deeper joy?
The Fourth Week of Advent: 21 December 2025
- Light all four candles.
- Read from Scripture: “The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy; for to you is born this day a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
- Pray: “Dear Jesus, may your love shine brightly in our hearts. As we prepare for Christmas, help us to rejoice in your love and share your warmth with everyone we meet. We look forward with joy to welcoming you on Christmas Day. Amen.”
- Reflect: What concerns or worries do you want to bring in prayer to Jesus this Christmas?
Adapted by the Santa Maria College Student Ministry Team from: Advent Wreath Prayers | Dynamic Catholic
- Advent, Advent Wreath, Catholic education, Catholic Traditions, Christmas Preparation, Featured, Santa Maria College, Scripture Reflections, Student Ministry Team
Author: Santa Maria College
Santa Maria College is a vibrant girls school with a growing local presence and reputation. Our Mission is to educate young Mercy women who act with courage and compassion to enrich our world. Santa Maria College is located in Attadale in Western Australia, 16 km from the Perth CBD. We offer a Catholic education for girls in Years 5 – 12 and have 1300 students, including 152 boarders.
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