The Christmas season is a chaotic one, for all of us.
Even for those of with the best intentions, it is easy to get swept up in the commercialism and chaos of the season.
Between gift-buying, Pinterest-perfect Christmas crafts for the kiddos, decorating endlessly and attending all the gatherings that are back on our calendars this year, it can be easy to forget that this season is actually about – Jesus.
That’s why I love Advent so much.
Advent – the 4 weeks leading up to Christmas – has been celebrated in the church since the 4th or 5th century (there’s some debate!). The early church felt it was important to designate a time to prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and to look forward to His return!
When I celebrate Advent with my family, the anticipation that “Jesus is coming!” – both at Christmas and one day again for His followers – becomes real amidst everything else in the season.
Taking a few minutes each day to reflect on the true meaning of the season helps keep my kids (and also me!) grounded on the things that are truly important at this time of year.
I stumbled across this quote a few years ago in preparation for Christmas, and it has stuck with me. Often, during the Christmas season, I stick it on the bulletin board in my office to keep myself focused. Hear these words from Edward Hays:
Take time to be aware that in the very midst of our busy preparations for the celebration of Christ’s birth in ancient Bethlehem, Christ is reborn in the Bethlehems of our homes and daily lives. Take time, slow down, be still, be awake to the Divine Mystery that looks so common and so ordinary yet is wondrously present.
An old abbot was fond of saying, ‘The devil is always the most active on the highest feast days.’
The supreme trick of Old Scratch is to have us so busy decorating, preparing food, practicing music and cleaning in preparation for the feast of Christmas that we actually miss the coming of Christ.
Edward Hays, A Pilgrim’s Almanac
Celebrating Advent with my family has helped me keep my focus on the coming of Christ.
It doesn’t mean I’m less busy, but it does help keep my focus on what really matters.
So how can you celebrate Advent this year?
What ideas can you share with the families you serve to help them make Advent an intentional season?
Here are a few ideas:
- I absolutely love Ann Voskamp’s idea of having a Night Before Advent party. It sets the stage for the excitement of the season to come. You can read her ideas here , and get some free printables! If you’re wanting to keep it simple, just pour up some hot chocolate & introduce your plans for Advent to your family.
- Consider an “Elf on the Shelf” alternative like Shepherd on the Search. We started using Shepherd on the Search when Levi was just 1, and we’re heading into our 4th year of using it! It’s such a fun Christmas tradition and a way to keep things focused on Jesus throughout the season.
- Find a devotional that works for your family! I’m convinced the reason most people don’t follow through with Advent reading plans or activties is because they try to make them too complex. Consider doing something simple – like one of the ones we offer here at Equip Family. Prepare Him Room, A Christmas to Remember & the Greatest Story Ever Told are all simple and sensitive to families’ busy schedules.
- Make giving in this season a meaningful family tradition – based in the gift of Jesus. We don’t just give at Christmas because it makes us feel good, but because we have been given the greatest gift of all! Encourage your family to make giving a part of your Christmas traditions during the Advent season – whether to a local food bank, single parents’ association, or charity of choice.
Advent is an amazing opportunity for discipleship – and to make the most of this beautiful season celebrating the arrival of Jesus! Let’s not waste it, but take time to dive in with our families (and the ones we serve!) to make much of Jesus’ arrival!