A Story of Advent

Unwrapping the gift of CHRISTmas

I love advent. The longed for, intentional space many of us create to honor the true reason for the season - a forced calm in all the hustle and bustle. I grew up during a time when it was not as common for families to celebrate advent like we do now. It is beautiful to see how many believers observe this liturgical tradition, similar to the growing awareness and appreciation for the season of lent in preparation for Easter.

My family faithfully observed this season of preparation throughout my entire upbringing. Every year my mom would set out our advent wreath with its colored candles as the centerpiece of our table. We would gather as a family every Sunday evening and light a candle (or candles) while we shared Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.

I have the most precious memories of this time with my family and now I carry on the tradition with my daughter. As a homeschool family, we make time for it as part of our morning school routine. Actually, now it is more like we gather together for this treasured time together then my self-sufficient teenager is off and running with her studies. She doesn’t “need” mom nearly as much as she used to during those sweet, younger homeschool years (but that is a topic for another day).

Each year when it is time to decorate for Christmas, Addy and I pull out our yearly devotional: Unwrapping the Names of Jesus by Asheritah Ciuciu and our own makeshift advent “wreath.” We start the week just like my family did, lighting the candle(s) then reading, discussing, and praying about the focus of that week (Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love). We close out our time singing a Christmas hymn together. This week we sang Silent Night (which was Addy’s favorite lullaby during December… oh those mama heartstrings…).

Daily during the week, we read a passage of scripture and a short devotional that shares one of the name of Jesus. Names like: Light of the World, Messiah, Lion of Judah, and Lord of Lords. Every day we get to see Jesus through another multifaceted lens. What an incredible reminder of how our Lord fulfills every promise, provides for every need, and loves us beyond our human understanding.

I am so blessed to be one part of this generational legacy of advent. Thankful for parents who paved the way for me to draw closer to Christ during a time when He can be so easily and unintentionally overlooked by distraction and stress. This season, I intentionally remind myself (and my daughter) daily that He truly is the greatest gift.

How are you making time to remember the gift of Christmas this year? Leave a comment to share how you are celebrating the season of advent this year.