I don’t know about  you but there are times when I am walking around in Wal-Mart doing my weekly shopping in September and I begin seeing the Christmas inventory on the shelves, I actually hang my head and it has to shake in disbelief.  Commercialism has converted Christmas to consume our time, energy and money in spite of the the Carols ringing in the air.  I don’t know about you, but to me, the sheer joy and meaning of Christmas has been replaced by the beeping of a cash register.  I think it is time to really take a look at an old fashioned tradition to get our hearts and minds in sync with the true meaning of Christmas.

I am talking about Advent.  It is a tradition that my family, growing up, did not practice.  I had never heard of this time of the year until we started going to our present church.  And over the past 8 years we have grown to love and cherish this tradition in our home.

Advent is a Latin word that means, “the coming.”  It is a special time for personal retrospect and growth.  This age old tradition takes place on the four Sundays prior to Christmas.  This year, it begins on November 29, 2009 and runs through Christmas Eve.  Advent is a season of reflection that can bring meaning to our season.  Many families already have Advent calendars and candles.  The calendars may have tasty treats and are used as a Christmas countdown.  But, how do we truly reflect on our faith while observing these traditions?

For the next few days leading up to the first Sunday of Advent, I will take  you on an adventure exploring the idea of Advent and many traditions you can begin with your children.

But first, I want to talk about 3 important reflections that are important to your understanding why Advent is a sacred tradition before you begin this in your home.  Remember it is a time of personal retrospect and growth as a believer……

1.  Reflect the meaning of God coming to Earth as a human baby.  It is the most humble form God could use.  A helpless child being delivered into this world in a manger, humbles my heart to say the least.   God loved us enough to come into this world as a child, a human form.  This birth changed the world and it has left an impact on countless lives throughout time.

2.  Reflect how Jesus has changed your existence.  As I look over my life and reflect on how I have grown spiritually, I am overtaken by joy.  Take a moment and really inspect your life.  Consider how God’s power through Christ has empowered your life, your actions, your way of thinking and your faith.

3.  Reflect on the fact that Jesus is coming back.  Yes, He is coming back.  And the anticipation can be the fuel to our joy…… not our fear.  You can even think about it in the way of  ”Jesus is coming over for Christmas.”  If you think about your Christmas preparations in terms of God coming to spend the holiday with you, you can not help to change your perspective.  Would Jesus see Himself in your celebration?  Would He see Himself in you as you greet your guests, prepare your meals, or Christmas shop?  Would He see how His life has impacted your passion for life and for the season?  Try thinking about truly inviting God over for Christmas this year.

I would like to challenge you to really mediate and reflect on these three points as you begin your Christmas season.  You will be surprised in the changes you will be making…… And check back tomorrow….. I will be talking about the Advent wreath.

God Bless……

Related posts:

1. Just One Month
2. The Advent Wreath
3. Pioneer Advent Week 1