Our school and community is preparing for Christmas and the Winter break, beginning with the Advent Spiral which took place at the end of November. This is a beautiful celebration in which the children walk a spiral laid out in greenery to light a candle at the centre. As they walk out again they place their candle along points in the spiral. When all the candles are lit the whole spiral shines beautifully and we realise how strong our light is when it is joined with others.
The spiral is a picture of the never ending cycle of life. The breathing rhythm of giving and receiving is symbolised by the light. As we receive light so the darkness of the spiral is illuminated by the light we are able to offer to the world. The light is always most powerful at the darkest times.
On December 1st we then had our annual Advent Fayre in Hebden Bridge. Many people have commented on the lovely atmosphere and the enjoyment that they had. The day was a huge success, raising over £1000 for the school.
One of the highlights for many is the fairy grotto, with it’s magical handmade vingettes based on the following Advent poem:
The first light of Advent is the light of stone–
Stones that live in crystals, seashells, and bones.
The second light of Advent is the light of plants–
Plants that reach up to the sun and in the breezes dance.
The third light of Advent is the light of beasts–
All await the birth, from the greatest and in least.
The fourth light of Advent is the light of humankind–
The light of hope that we may learn to love and understand.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our families, friends and supporters