First Week of Advent
I had wanted to post before Advent even began, of course, as you can clearly see I did not make that happen. I have decided to write when I can even if it does not fit my ideals. This time of year is busy. We try our best to keep Christmas simple and for the most part handmade. I do start early but inevitably end up with projects piling up. Apparently, time management is not my strong point. I will say that I manage the important things well enough, it is my crafting and blogging that take the biggest hit. I know what my issues are at least, I have not calculated in time for illness or other surprises. I get migraines and if one of those hits me, then my plans of crocheting or blogging takes a backseat.
I digress though, I wanted to talk about Advent. I have written about it before here, and probably elsewhere on this blog. I have recently come across those in the Christian faith who oppose the practice of Advent. Their argument largely being that it is not Biblical, not commanded in the Bible, and that we should be living this way everyday not just during Advent. I do not disagree with these points and if that is your belief that is fine with me. Advent, while not commanded in the Bible, does bring value to my journey with God though.
By nature, as alluded to above, I can easily get distracted and wrapped up in things. Advent helps me to check myself and prepare myself and my family for Christmas. It seems with each passing year, the world does it’s best to squeeze Jesus out of Christmas. It saddens me to think of how many children eagerly await Christmas morning, yet have no idea that the Christ in Christmas refers to Jesus. They rip open their gifts and miss the greatest gift of all time – Jesus.
I want it to be abundantly clear to my children why we bother to celebrate Christmas at all. We recognize the gift of Jesus, and look with expectation and hope to His return. Yes, we also visit friends and family, open gifts and eat special treats. That is why Advent is so important to me. By taking these 4 weeks before Christmas, to pray, read special stories, focus on our faith, then the true meaning is less likely to get lost amongst the eggnog and wrapping paper.
We have an Advent wreath each year (perhaps not so wreath like), in which we light a new candle each week, with the 5th candle being lit on Christmas. Our Advent wreath has changed over the 16 years of our marriage form rather traditional to a much less traditional. I had planned on making something new for us this year. (If you check out Advent wreaths on Pinterest you will see a vast array of them.) This may not surprise you but I ran out of time and wasn’t able to make the new Advent wreath I had planned on making. Instead I worked with what I had and in the end I think it is one of the prettiest ones we have ever had.
Today is already the fourth of December and Lord willingly in twenty days time we will be gathering together with David’s side of the family. Twenty short days and so many things I hope to do before then. I may not check off everything on my list, but I do know that most importantly my family will continue to grow closer to Jesus.
How do you prepare for Christmas?
Blessings my friends!
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10 Comments
TracyL
Absolutely beautiful Advent "wreath". Thanks for sharing it.
Mitzi
Oh Cheryl…this is an absolutely beautiful Advent "wreath"! I wouldn't change a thing. You and I have some things in common…migraines keep me from crocheting & blogging as well. Since you popped by my blog earlier…you already know how I'm preparing for Christmas this year. While it is not my usual preparation ritual this time of year…this year I am finding lots of comfort and joy in it…something I desperately need.
My recent post It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
ontheoldpath
Oh thanks Mitzi, I am glad that you are finding that comfort and joy in this season, blessings!
BeckyJane
Although Advent isn't part of our religious celebration, I've incorporated the idea into our Christmas for many years. Your wreath is beautiful…I just might have to borrow it! Merry Christmas!
My recent post How to Get and Keep the Spirit of Christmas
CherylatOldPath
Thanks Becky Jane, feel free to use it!!
Columba Lisa Smith
I've never done an advent wreath, but I'm thinking about it this year. I found a neat little outline for one in a devotional magazine. Obviously, I'm off to a late start, but I think I can pull it off still. That, and the chocolate advent calendars from Trader Joe's, will comprise our advent season this year. Thanks for sharing!
pisforpreschooler
It's good to take time to step back. Christmas does get so commercial – I have a preschooler so I'm particular aware of the "gimme" side of the holiday. It's great that your family can focus on the things that truly matter. Merry Christmas!
My recent post Kid-Made Ornaments (Fine Motor Fridays)
Christy Garrett
Your advent wreath is beautiful. Thank you for sharing. After all Christmas wouldn't happen each year without Jesus being born and dying to save us.
My recent post #ASKAWAYFriday with Carissa at The Green Eyed Lady Blog
Andrea
We just recently started celebrating advent through our new Church and I love the fact that it pulls the boys away from Santa and reindeer for a moment each week to really focus on the true meaning of the holiday. Have a great Christmas!
My recent post My Little Loverboy
Chrissy
Merry Christmas to all of you guys! I finally have a better connection to the internet now through my phone! 🙂