GEMS and Advent

   The GEMS wrapped up the fall season with our annual Christmas celebration.  As counselors, we recognized that the true message of Christmas can be easily lost in all the commercial hype surrounding the season.  We decided to make Advent wreaths with the girls and talk about what Advent means - a time of waiting for and anticipation of the Saviour and that He is the real focus of the Christmas season (not just about chocolate calendars!).

   The different symbols present in the wreath were explained:  roundness - showing that God is eternal and has no beginning or end, evergreens - God never changes, and the candles - representing Jesus as the Light of the World.  We talked about why there are 5 candles - that the 4 outer candles represent hope, peace, joy, love and the center candle represents Jesus Christ our Saviour.  We dimmed the lights, lit the first candle and read an Advent devotion along with some scripture.  Handouts with a short devotion, prayer and scripture reading for every day throughout Advent were sent home with the girls so they can encourage their families to participate and keep the focus on Jesus.