Advent

The Advent season is upon us. If we were all honest, most of us, I believe, would say we didn't celebrate "Advent". What is that?

This year we have decided to try to honor this holiday season for what it really is, the celebration of the coming of Christ. It's more than presents, a trip to see Santa at the mall, and how many Starbucks gift cards we'll have to buy for all of those silly "Bring a $10 gift" parties.

This year we are celebrating Advent by:
1. Having a traditional Advent wreath with the five candles, one lit each Sunday with a scripture reading.
2. Intentionally spending our time together as a family and not apart. We will not be attending functions that our children are not a part of (except we went to Andy's company Christmas party- how else am I going to know who he is talking about when he does mention someone from work?)
3. We are making 90% of our Christmas gifts as a gesture of thought, care, and love.
4. Focusing the children on others who are not as blessed as we are with material things...we will try this in many ways- beginning, as always, with Operation Christmas Child.

I'm hoping the Advent season will grow in our hearts each year- that it will be a time of great spiritual growth and reflection on Jesus.

What are you doing to celebrate Advent and the Christmas season? I'd love to know!