Page 2 - br-dec-2021

December 2021 December 2021

Even when walking back to the station, I didn’t need any extra layers, it was a

very mild November evening. What a contrast to some of those chillier evenings DATES FOR
in July and August.
Advent is all about preparation, YOUR DIARY
before Christmas there are four
very important weeks that get 2022
us ready to celebrate Christ’s
birth. Advent signals the start of
the Christian Church’s new Floral Group Autumn Leaves Communibus Women’s Institute
year, this year on Sunday 28
th
November. The colour in Salt and Pepper Club Pop in Place Twinning Gardening Club
church changes to purple and
an Advent wreath is used. The
lighting of candles on an January
Advent wreath was imported SP
from northern Europe in the 20th Salt and Pepper Club
nineteenth century and is common practice. The wreath is decorated with
greenery and four candles are spaced around the outer ring, the ring symbolizes February
God’s unending love for us, these candles may be red or purple and are lit one at
a time on each Sunday in Advent. The Advent season falls at the darkest time of 8th ‘On the Spot’ - Elizabeth Whitcomb 2.00pm
the year and as each week goes by the light is overcoming the darkness, by the
time we get to the third Sunday in Advent, three candles are lit and so the light is 9th Communibus - Mystery Tour with lunch
greater than the darkness. In the centre of the ring a white candle symbolizes
Jesus, the light of the world, and is lit at the first service of Christmas, usually 16th Joyce Grenfell
‘Midnight Mass’ which starts late on Christmas Eve.
This season of preparation and expectation often gets lost in the hustle and bustle SP 17th Salt and Pepper Club
of getting ready for Christmas, but its good to take time to remember what the
season of Christmas is really about and reflect on the coming of God’s Son. A 23rd Communibus - Bridport
baby, born in a manger, born to set us all free from the fears and the sin that
affects us all.
March
The words of the well known Charles Wesley Advent hymn fit this thought
perfectly: 1st Pancake Day
‘Come, thou long expected Jesus,
Born to set thy people free; 8th Maia Nash 2.00pm
From our fears and sins release us; 9th Communibus - Haskins Garden Centre
Let us find our rest in thee.’
When the time comes, I hope you are fully prepared to have a wonderful 16th Jurassic Coast
Christmas, but until then, enjoy the waiting – I’m sure it will be worth it!
17th Salt and Pepper Club
I wish you all a very happy and holy Christmas and a blessed and peaceful 2022.
With blessings, Sandra 23rd Communibus - Groves Nursery

2 79