November 28, 2007 10:19 PM
Advent
Over the years, Tripp and I have attended many different kinds of churches and found that each has something to offer. One of the things I particularly like about liturgical churches - those that celebrate Sunday with a certain order of service based on church seasons - is the focus on Advent.
Advent begins the fourth Sunday before Christmas - this year December 2 - and is a time of anticipation and reflection on the coming of Christ to the world at Christmas. Evangelicals tend not to make a big deal out of Advent, but I think there are many benefits for families who do begin preparing their children's hearts for the true meaning of Christmas a month in advance.
Look at it this way: if your children watch TV or see magazines or newspapers or even go to the grocery store with you, they are already being bombarded with commercial images and ideas of what Christmas is all about. If we want them to know the true meaning of Christmas, it's a good idea for us to start early too.
Your church may be one with the tradition of making advent wreaths - centerpieces with five candles, one for each Sunday of Advent and Christmas itself. Or you may want to make an advent wreath yourself.
Last year I came across a beautiful and perfect book for families for Advent - so impressive I immediately ordered it: The Advent Jesse Tree: Devotions for Children and Adults to Prepare for the Coming of the Christ Child at Christmas . Use the Search Inside feature to read the Table of Contents and see a hint of the beautiful illustrations. Read the customer reviews. I think you'll agree that this is a warm and friendly and very doable way to impress our kids with the meaning of Christ's coming. Since it starts December 2, there's time to order it. We are making it a regular part of our own traditions.
Also, if you want a woman's devotion to work on yourself or with a group during Advent, my friend Ann Stewart - who lives just a few miles from me and who I met a couple years ago in a Bible study - has a book called Preparing My Heart for Advent: A Spiritual Pilgrimage for the Christmas Season. This is a study any mom can do on her own - or with a group - to keep her focus on the Reason for the Season.
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Comments
Hey Barbara! I wanted to plug something a bit. I authored a blog called Advent For Evangelicals last year...why? Because I was sad to see how most evangelicals skipped over the whole thing. Upon questioning, I found I had many friends and cyberbuddies who *wanted* to celebrate advent, and just didn't know how.
The blog is closed this year, I'm not adding any new content due to some circumstances in my life, but all the archives are there waiting for anyone to enjoy.
I hate to brag, but I feel like it is a great resource for evangelical families wanting to find a way to celebrate advent.
www.advent4evangelicals.blogspot.com
I hope you didn't mind my little plug. I just wanted to share.
Posted by: Lindsey @ enjoythejourney | November 28, 2007 11:08 PM
Hi Barbara! I love the Advent season, and always have, although it took me until a few years ago to truly dive into the spiritual aspect and allow God to prepare my heart for Christmas! As a Catholic we have lots of good books and reminders, as well as the scripture at Mass every week! At first it's more readings from Daniel, anticipating the second coming of the Lord, and then we hear more from Isaiah about the birth of the Savior. I love the liturgical year :)
One of my favorite books for reflection - not deep reading, just nice quiet time. Also, for good lay-person friendly daily meditations, try Bishop Fulton Sheen who is usually an easy read, but known best for his TV evangalization and teaching.
I LOVE reading your blog, thank you so much! You are an inspiration :) God Bless You
Posted by: Kate | December 1, 2007 7:02 AM
Hi Barbara - when I finished submitting my last comment I went to read another friend's blog, and he had a recommendation for another great spiritual Advent read. G. K. Chesteron is an amazing writer, and this blog gives a review of his Advent book, including that is has practical activities for kids!
Posted by: Kate | December 1, 2007 7:06 AM
