Celebrating Advent
Advent is “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event” according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Preparing for the birth of Jesus, the MOST notable person ever to live on earth, is the purpose of the Advent season, one of my favorite seasons of the year. After Thanksgiving I trudge to the basement to unearth our Advent wreath/centerpiece, find candles with enough light left in them to last for the four weeks, and place it all prominently in the center of our dining room table.
I didn’t grow up celebrating Advent, as my parents were not believers. When we had children, we began to celebrate Advent as a family. I really enjoy the ceremony, the sense of unity with the church worldwide, and the togetherness it brings to our family. Our three sons can tell you that we have celebrated Advent since they were young.
There are so many resources available – you can see a few books pictured here. You can make your own Advent wreath and buy a few candles. The bible is the source for Advent devotions, or you can purchase a book with a story, verses to read, Christmas carols to sing, activities and discussion questions. The purpose is to focus on the birth of Jesus, welcoming Jesus into our lives, opening our homes to Jesus.
In addition to our Sunday night Advent ritual, I also employ readings and prayers from The Divine Hours, also known as the Daily Office. The tradition to pray and meditate on scripture at fixed hours throughout the day — at least three times a day — “is the oldest and most authentic form of Christian spiritual practice” according to Phyllis Tickle in Christmastide. Fixed prayer is a continuation of the Jewish practice of praying at appointed hours. I find the combination of weekly family Advent devotions, coupled with daily fixed prayer and scripture reading, helps focus me on Jesus during this busy season.
Here are the scriptures for today:
Come, let us sing to the LORD; let us shout for joy to the Rock of our salvation. Psalm 95:1
Your love, O LORD, forever will I sing, from age to age my mouth will proclaim your faithfulness. Psalm 89:1
And the morning prayer:
Lord God, almighty and everlasting Father, you have brought me in safety to this new day: Preserve me with your mighty power, that I may not fall into sin, nor be overcome by adversity; and in all I do direct me to the fulfilling of your purpose; through Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.
Join me in celebrating Advent, the advent of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I remember growing up having an Advent wreath on our living room table. Every Sunday night we sang songs. It is a great memory that I will cherish forever. I am thankful for my parents showing me what Advent means.
It’s such a wonderful tradition. Thanks for sharing your memories.
Thank you for sharing your lovely family tradition.