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Give Christmas a Boost: Celebrate Advent!

Pastor Tom Brashears — Nov 22, 2011

Most Christians struggle to keep Christ central in their lives and families during the holiday season. The tension begins in early fall when catalogs arrive in the mail and younger family members begin to study the toy sections. By November, when blinking lights and cotton snow decorate store windows, the gift lists are in final-draft form. Santa and his grazing plastic reindeer have had their claims staked in the center of the mall for weeks.

How can Christian families focus on the true meaning of Christmas when so much of the world, prompted by rabid retailing, only wants to think about the newest toys and fine holiday cuisine?

Ancient Customs For Today

Observance of an ancient custom called Advent can help. Advent refers to the “coming” or “arrival” of Jesus Christ. For centuries, celebrating Advent has focused the attention of busy people in a busy season on spiritual matters. What could be more appropriate in today’s extended holiday frenzy?

The Advent custom is something of a late addition to history, as is the celebration of Christmas itself. When the church began to observe Christmas in the fourth century, a period of preparation was added. By the tenth century, the Western world agreed that Advent should always consist of four Sundays. The first Sunday of Advent occurs near or upon November 30.

Many Christians are accustomed to seeing Advent wreaths and candles in our church sanctuary, but enjoying the tradition at home is a great idea as well. The glowing wreath is often the highlight of a family’s holiday worship. With the children gathered near, an additional candle is lit during each Sunday’s observance of Advent. The soft, flickering light not only focuses thoughts on the Light of the World but provides a warm, calming environment that prepares hearts for the celebration of Christ’s coming. For those chocolate lovers you can get an Advent calendar at Trader Joes with a chocolate for each day before Christmas.

Creating Your Wreath

Part of the Advent fun comes from constructing your own wreath. For centuries the wreath has been made from fresh-cut greenery: pine, laurel, holly, bayberry, or any other evergreen plant. If fresh pine makes you sneeze or is hard to find, artificial greenery is plentiful at Michaels, craft shops and other stores. Arrange the greens in a circle and insert four candles. Place the fifth candle, lit on Christmas Eve, in the wreath’s center.

Making the wreath can be a family project. One person can buy or gather the greens while another constructs a circular frame for the wreath using wire from coat hangers, for example. Someone else may weave the greens together around the frame. Set the candles in small candlesticks or insert them snugly into the wire frame. If you are really adventurous you can delight the smaller children in your family by making candle holders. Place the completed wreath in a central location—a dining room table, buffet, counter, hearth, or mantel—where it will remain for the season.

Observe caution when lighting the candles; drying greens can be a serious fire hazard. Alert your children to the potential danger.

Celebrate

Each Advent Sunday, your family can gather for a brief time of worship that might include reading Scripture aloud, carols, a devotional thought, an activity and, of course, lighting the advent wreath. This brief outline might give you an idea of how to proceed.

Please Remember: There is no “right way”  to do this! Be creative and above all have fun!

First Sunday. A Child Will Be Born to Us. Read: Isaiah 9:2; Isaiah 9:6 (light one candle). Carol: “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” Devotional; prayer. Carol: “Jesus Loves Me.”

Second Sunday. The Birth of Christ. Read: Matthew 1:18–25; Luke 2:1–7 (light two candles). Carol: “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Pray for the world. Carol: “Away in a Manger.”

Third Sunday. The Shepherds and the Angels. Read: Luke 2:8–20 (light three candles). Carol: “Silent Night, Holy Night.” Pray for your family. Carol: “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

Fourth Sunday. The Visit of the Magi. Read: Matthew 2:1–12 (light four candles). Carol: “We Three Kings.” Pray for our church. Carol: “The First Noel.”

Christmas Eve. Celebrating the Visit of Christ. Read: Luke 1:67–69 (light all candles). Carol: “Joy to the World.” Pray for peace in the world. Carol: “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”

On Christmas Eve, the final lighting of each candle provides a moving climax to the weeks of preparation.

Isn’t it time to take a break from the bustle to enjoy and celebrate Advent this year? By observing this tradition in your home, you and your family will not miss the true significance of Christmas.