This year at SMA, we are integrating the candy cane with the wreath as our Advent symbols. The candy cane is layered with meaning for us – it can be used to help someone (we are People of Service!); it is shaped like a J for Jesus, Justice and Joy; and it has a great story about how it came to be (which is part of a trivia game we are playing throughout Advent).

During our Advent service, the community heard a story about what the Messiah looks like today. What would it be like if we treated everyone as though she or he was the Messiah? We are challenged to think of ways that we can, love as Jesus loved this Advent season, so that, when Christmas arrives, we are as ready as possible to welcome the Christ child.

And so, on each classroom door hangs a gift bag suspended from a candy cane. Inside the bag are Scripture passages for each day that remind us about how we are to love as Jesus loved.

Students, staff and parents are invited to Taize pray in the chapel at 8:00 am on Wednesdays during Advent.