We’ve made attempts at celebrating Advent for many years – desiring to emphasize the “coming” of Christ into the world (the word “advent” comes from the Latin adventus which means coming or arrival. Thank you Latina Christiana!), to experience the anticipation and longing for Him in our hearts. Most years we don’t accomplish our lofty goals, but this year I think we’ve planned something that we can actually pull off.
Here are our Advent Bags which we have done for several years. There is one for each day in December until Christmas Eve. The kids open one each morning as soon as they wake up. Inside are an assortment of small treats – Hershey kisses, small candy canes, pencils, lip balm, coupons for a special outings (e.g. today the treat was doing schoolwork at the Barnes and Noble cafe), chocolate coins, toothbrushes, etc. As you can imagine, this is a much anticipated December activity! A friend of mine does the same activity, but with adorable scrap fabric bags with drawstrings.
This year we have also planned special activities for each of the Advent Sunday afternoon/evenings. On the first Sunday, we invited our friends, the Baglows, over for a devotional time followed by dessert. Robert did a blindfold activity with the kids and talked about walking in darkness. He talked about how the Prophets of old encouraged God’s people to repent and wait for the certain coming of their Savior. Then we lit the first candle, which we called the Prophet Candle and had a special chocolate souffle cake. The kids ended the evening watching America’s Funniest Videos and Extreme Makeover:Home Edition (not especially spiritual, but a HUGE treat for the kids!), the adults lingering over their coffee and enjoying conversation.
(sorry about the photos – digital camera gave up on us on race day – don’t think it liked 27 degrees – and hasn’t been the same since – these were taken on Robert’s phone!)
Future Sunday activities include a baptism service at church followed by dinner out, a choir concert and dinner with the Speight family, and lastly and afternoon at the Nuesslein’s home to participate in their family’s Advent celebration. Can’t wait, and I’m sure more descriptions and pictures will follow!
What do you do for Advent?
Or what traditions do you have at this time of year?
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2