Chapel Matters

What a lovely Carol Service we had last Sunday! It was very special seeing so many families there, and joining as a community to sing the story of Christmas! This was also thefirst Sunday in Advent, and we lit the first candle in our Advent wreath (well, we actually flicked a switch on an electronic candle to avoid a fire in the Gym!). There are usually four (or five) candles in the wreath, and each one represents a gift that comes to us with the gift of the baby Jesus, Ihu Karaiti, God with us, Emmanuel.

The first candle is called the candle of Hope or te Tūmanako.

The second candle is for Peace – te Rangimarie.

The third candle is for Joy – te Harikoa.

The fourth candle is for Love – te Aroha.

And the last candle, which is lit on Christmas Eve, is for Jesus.

May these gifts be yours this Advent Season, and may we be instruments through whichGod gifts them to our needy world.