advent

An Advent Thought of The Day

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It struck me that in this time of Advent we are anticipating the birth of Jesus. Christmas should be the beginning of a story where God showed his people how to live in a way that was a great love story. Maybe it’s crazy but Jesus did more than die for us, He lived for us in a powerful way too. That’s my little theological brainstorm for the day. Back to your regularly scheduled updates about stuff.

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Sunday, December 1st Begins The Season of Advent

Advent is a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming, or birth of the Lord, Jesus Christ. Celebrating Advent typically involves a season of prayer, fasting and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope and joy. (from About.com)

This is a special time of year for us. Without Advent, Christmas doesn’t mean the same. Its a reminder that Jesus Christ is the focus of this holiday. In this day of hustle and bustle it’s nice to slow it down and have some meaning to the season.

Ideas For Teaching Christmas To Kids

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A fellow blogger was asking how to throw a Christmas celebration for some young folks at her church. Having been a young and old person during the holidays here is the advice I gave her.

1. The Crismon Tree – In most churches that decorates their worship space they have a tree with ornaments that are called crismons. Those crismons have different meanings and are symbols for Christ.

2. Nativity Scene – Have kids dress up as the Holy Family, Shepherds and animals that might have been there in Bethlehem. We know the story to be different in reality but it gives the kids a kind of an idea of what it was like. 

3. Incorporate Santa – Santa Claus is taken from an actual saint of the church Saint Nicholas. Learning more about who he was and his ministry would be informative for kids.

4. Giving Canned Goods – Many food banks are in need year round but kids could learn the act of giving as God gave us Jesus. Food is a way to spread the love to those in need.

5. Celebrate Advent – The season prior to Christmas is a great way to teach about the coming of the Christ Child. Its a good time for reflection and centering oneself for the real meaning of the holiday. 

I am not a holiday expert but these might be good for you to use in planning a spiritually centered Christmas holiday season.

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For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!

Luke 2:11-14 (ESV)

One Week From Today

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Its one week til Christmas. In the hustle and bustle of the season, I hope you have a chance to enjoy it with family and friends. Slow things down, wait for it, be patient. The holiday’s are great, but it can cause enormous stress. Its amazing to see how much traffic there still is around shopping malls and the big box stores.

In the Christian tradition, the Season of Advent is about waiting for Christ to arrive. This season should be about the journey as well as the excitement of the destination.

No matter how you approach the holidays, be sure you do it in the love of kith and kin. Make it special and have fun.