Good Morning Brown Clee!

I hope you had a good weekend and lots of sleep as we head into our last week of the Autumn Term!  It has been a term of contrasts – such delight to have all the children back in school but sad that there are so many limitations to how we operate – but there is definitely hope on the horizon that we will be able to return to being the community, team-spirited school that welcomes families, friends and visitors to join us in school!

Today is the 14th day of Advent, and we are also building our hopes up of celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ on 25th December – just 11 days away! Today we are going to be thinking about the gift of Frankincense – one of the 3 gifts that the wise men brought to the baby Jesus.

It doesn’t look terribly special, does it?  A bit like frosted ginger or golden jelly babies!  But actually Frankincense is a symbol of deity – a divine status, godliness.  Can you remember what the other 2 gifts were that the wise men brought to give to Jesus, Mary and Joseph?

Enjoy this clip sharing some background to the meaning of frankincense, myrrh and gold…

We know that gold is shiny and bright and a precious metal, but who would have known that myrrh and frankincense were so special!?  It reminds us that all gifts are special – be they small or large, shiny or dull – a gift shows that someone cares and wants to show us that we are appreciated.  So as you wake up on Christmas Day – remember our value of this half term – Thankfulness – as there is so very much to be thankful for, whether the gifts come in a stocking hung on the fireplace, or in the companionship of family and friends, or a smile, or the sun rising to start each new day!

Prayer of the Day

Dear God,
We thank you for all that’s good in our lives.
We thank you especially for what we remember quietly in our hearts now,
Help us always to be thankful, whether we are happy or sad.
Help us to know that you are with us during ordinary days, good days and bad days.
Amen.