“One little candle lighted in the wreath

The earth below prepares to glow

Two little candles lighted in the wreath

The plant lifts up a blossom cup

Three little candles lighted in the wreath

The animals run to see the sun

Four little candles lighted in the wreath

A baby is born, to warm the earth, to fill the cup, to light the sun, to lift me up”

Advent is here, and in Karri Kindergarten we have begun to celebrate this 'waiting time' with our recognition of and gratitude towards each of the four kingdoms, beginning with the mineral world.

Gathered around the Advent table, each child with a gift of shells, a crystal, stone or bone, the first candle on the Advent wreath was lit and the verse spoken;

The first light of Advent

It is the light of stones

The light that shines in crystals

In seashells and bones.

One by one the children placed their gift on the table, in a mood of reverence.  Afterwards we sang some songs together and a story was told before the candle is snuffed.

Each week we take the time to give thanks.

The second week we  will celebrate plants……….

The second light of Advent

It is the light of plants

Plants that reach up to the sun

And in the breezes dance

The third week, animals……..

The third light of Advent

It is the light of beasts

The light of hope that we may see

In greatest and in least

Finally, the human realm….

The fourth light of Advent

It is the light of humans

The light of love, the light of thought

To give and to understand

The human realm is demonstrated with the shepherds, Mary and Joseph entering the scene whilst all four candles are burning in the wreath.

Some parents  may choose to celebrate Advent at home with a calendar which may be home made or commercial, to count down the days until Christmas.  A simple wool angel can be moved along a pathway of golden stars with each passing day.  You could also place a cloth in the centre of the table to receive items giving recognition to the mineral world, plants and animals on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, a crystal, some flowers and a wooden animal, for example.  Lighting a candle on each Sunday evening of Advent and having a moment of silence can bring a sense of peace and gratitude at this time of the year which can become busy and overwhelming.

Wishing everyone peace and happiness and restful holidays when they arrive

Warmest wishes,

Denise