The Season of Advent began on December 1. That weekend, the first candles in Advent wreaths were lit in our churches, symbolising the start of a time of spiritual preparation for Christmas. 

Advent is a time of waiting. As human beings, we are no longer very good at waiting. We want everything now, immediately - We Google the answer, pay for what we want instantly online and stream the song the minute it is released… These days, there is no sense of anticipation, no need for patience, no need to wait -  just instant gratification.

In the past, waiting was a necessary part of life; Those of you who are old enough to remember having to use encyclopedias, the joy of shopping with layby and the excitement of waiting for the new album from your favourite band to appear in the local music store will appreciate just how much things have changed in recent times.

We seem to have lost the art of just waiting for things with patience and grace… of taking our time with things. At this time of the year in particular, we can feel like we are ‘running out of time’ to get everything done before the looming deadline of Christmas arrives. We feel an increasing sense of urgency as we try to squeeze more and more into the remaining days of the year… always feeling like we are in a hurry. Surely there is another way!

As we approach the end of the school year, perhaps we can pause to ask ourselves whether or not in all this busyness, we sometimes run out of time for the things that really matter. During Advent, we have a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with a different way of looking at time - God’s time - time to linger and be with those we love; time to pray and reflect on the year that has been; time to be generous and loving to all those we come in contact with. 

I pray that this Season of Advent as well as the joy of Christmas bring you and your family peace, space and time to celebrate that which deeply matters. For those of you who are heading away during the holidays - please travel safely on our roads. I will be looking forward to seeing you all fresh and rejuvenated at the start of the 2025 school year.

Merry Christmas and may God bless you and your loved ones in this special season.

Angela Myles | Executive Principal